Kenny Wormald “Footloose” Casting

Paramount has found its Ren McCormack.

On Tuesday, the studio announced that it has wrapped casting for the remake of Kevin Bacon’s 1984 box office classic Footloose. After an “extensive worldwide search,” Hollywood newcomer Kenny Wormald has been tapped to “kick off his Sunday shoes” in the role of Ren, a rebellious big city teen who moves to a tiny town where dancing has been outlawed. He later falls in love with the local minister’s daughter and embarks on a campaign to bring music back to the community. Zac Efron and Chace Crawford were previously cast in the role made famous by Bacon. Both actors dropped out of the project to pursue other interests.

Wormald is a native of Boston. His previous credits include a stint on the MTV series Dancelife and a turn as a backup dancer for singer Justin Timberlake He will co-star alongside two-time Dancing With The Stars champion and country music singer Julianne Hough, cast as Ariel. Dennis Quaid rounds out the cast, playing Reverend Moore.

Footloose — directed by Hustle & Flow lensman Craig Brewer — opens in theaters April 1, 2011.