5/20/2009

in

The "Gossip Girl" star puts down his phone and picks up his dancing shoes.

Stephanie Pappas

Best known for his uneasy, Upper East Side persona as Nate Archibald on the hit television series, *Gossip Girl*, Chace Crawford is now setting his sights on movies. He is officially set to star in Paramount's *Footloose* remake.  
  
Playing the character of Ren McCormack, originally played by Kevin Bacon 25 years ago, Crawford, 23, takes the role that once belonged to Zac Efron, reported BBC News.  
  
The *High School Musical* star, who seemed very committed to the part, is rumored to have dropped the film because of its similarity to his previous roles. Whether or not Crawford actually auditioned for the role remains unknown.  
  
Under the direction of Kenny Ortega, producers think the cast switch will only strengthen the film. They believe *Gossip Girl* fans, who are generally older than those drawn to Disney entertainment like *High School Musical*, will watch *Footloose* with a more mature eye, according to gaywired.com.  
  
While preparing for the film, Crawford will continue his role as Archibald for a third season. He will also star in *Twelve*, a film by Joel Schumacher, where he will play a drug dealing high school dropout.  
  
*Footloose* is scheduled for release in 2010.