Chace Crawford Pumped Up to Get Footloose

Chace Crawford is supposedly dating Esti Ginzburg. That is exciting.

In less stimulating news that also involves him contorting his body, he begins shooting the upcoming remake of the 1984 classic Footloose next March.

The 23-year-old Gossip Girl star landed the Footloose role after Zac Efron dropped out: "I know Zac and we're actually friends," Crawford tells EW.com.

"He's gotta make the best choice for his career at this point and I have to make the best for mine, and luckily the situation worked out for both of us."

Chace won the part after an audition, including dancing and singing, for the movie's producers and High School Musical director Kenny Ortega.

“It was, like, five hours of the most rigorous tests ever,” says the Texas native.

Dancing With the Stars’ Julianne Hough will audition this week for the female lead role alongside Crawford. Some think her recent success as a country music star, in addition to her dancing prowess, could give her an edge.

Regardless of what gorgeous female stars opposite the Gossip Girl hunk, you can bet that Footloose will pay homage to the '80s film in many respects.

Also expect to hear familiar tunes, but maybe not see the same choreography: “I don’t know if the gymnastics scene is going to make it,” says Crawford. “I’ve got some movement, but I’m not exactly a dancer. I need to start stretching now.”