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Miramax Films and Artisan Entertainment announced today that Diego Luna ("Frida," "Y tu mama tambien," "Before Night Falls") has been cast as the male lead in "Havana Nights," the second installment in the "Dirty Dancing" franchise, which is being directed by Guy Ferland ("Bang, Bang, You're Dead," and FX's "The Shield"). Veteran producer Lawrence Bender (the upcoming Quentin Tarantino film, "Kill Bill," along with "Reservoir Dogs," "Pulp Fiction," "Good Will Hunting," "Anna and the King" and "The Mexican") is producing the co-production, which is scheduled to begin production in February 2003 and scheduled for release on November 21, 2003.

Inspired by the original, but set in 1959 Cuba, "Havana Nights" follows the story of a 17-year-old girl who moves with her family to revolution-era Cuba. While in Cuba, she defies her family's wishes when she falls for a young Cuban dancer, who helps her discover both herself and a world beyond her sheltered existence.

"Dirty Dancing" was initially released on August 21, 1987 and starred Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey in her breakthrough role, while transporting viewers to the summer of 1963 to observe a young girl's coming of age. The film earned a number of awards and distinctions including Best Song wins from both the Academy Awards(R) and Golden Globes(R) and a Golden Globe nomination for Best Film (Musical or Comedy).

The original theatrical release of "Dirty Dancing" was one of the great milestones in the landscape of the independent theatrical business. The film's soundtrack has sold over 22 million units, making it one of the largest selling albums in RCA recording history. In the home entertainment arena, "Dirty Dancing" remains one of the largest selling titles in Artisan's library which also includes "Terminator 2," "It's A Wonderful Life," "Reservoir Dogs," and "The Rambo Series" of films amongst other significant titles. "Dirty Dancing's" sales are stronger today than during the film's initial theatrical release, confirming the movie's lasting popularity. Artisan has sold an average of 157,000 "Dirty Dancing" VHS and DVD units per month so far this year (1/01/02 - 9/01/02).

SOURCE: Artisan Entertainment and Miramax Films