Kevin Bacon Can Thank Footloose For One ‘Nightmare’ Scenario He Experiences At Weddings

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In the ’80s, Kevin Bacon appeared in numerous acclaimed films; however, it’s his portrayal of Ren McCormack in Footloose that truly solidified his fame. This film is renowned for its climactic dance scene, which made Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” an enduring classic. You can hear the song echoing across America, and it’s hard not to start tapping your feet. Interestingly enough, even Kevin Bacon himself isn’t immune to this rhythm!

As a cinephile myself, I’m more than willing to join in on the fun hashtags related to my movie roles like #YouShouldHaveLeft, but being someone else’s viral sensation isn’t really my cup of tea. You see, when I’m invited to weddings, it can turn into a bit of a nightmare for me. To avoid that, I take certain precautions. I shared this experience on a SXSW panel and further discussed it with People magazine.

My biggest fear is finding myself at a wedding where the DJ starts playing music, and unexpectedly, Kenny Loggins’ ‘Footloose’ comes on. This tune transforms the celebration into an unwanted spotlight on me, as people encircle me, turning me into a performing monkey. To avoid this embarrassment, I’ve approached the DJs beforehand and kindly requested them to omit that particular song from their playlist. It’s not because I dislike the song; in fact, I quite enjoy it, but its association with such an uncomfortable situation makes me apprehensive about hearing it at a wedding.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself pondering over which scenario would leave me squirming in his shoes: being compelled to perform the dance from “Footloose” amidst a throng of smartphones, or overshadowing the joy of the newlyweds. Neither option appeals to me. It’s truly disheartening to see Kevin Bacon find himself in such an awkward predicament time and again.

It’s quite disappointing for the wedding party as “Footloose” is an excellent song for letting loose at parties. Its movie soundtrack is among the greatest, and I have to admit that the score of the 2011 remake isn’t bad either. Given how everyone in Hollywood seems to be connected to Kevin Bacon within six degrees, it means a lot of wedding DJs will encounter this song request. However, you can’t deny that “Footloose” is an outstanding choice for getting people up and dancing.

In my perspective, I’ve always maintained a respectful stance towards the “Danger Zone” performer and his tunes, devoid of any animosity. Interestingly, I’ve been known to embrace shout-outs from the Footloose era, like when Guardians of the Galaxy paid homage to my rebellious dance moves in a typical Midwestern town, challenging authority with style and grace.

It’s unlikely that the Apollo 13 actor will be breaking free from his responsibilities any time soon. Unlike another beloved ’80s series he worked on lately, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, he doesn’t seem interested in a Footloose sequel.

Frankly, I share Bacon’s viewpoint. In today’s era where ’80s classics like Top Gun and Twister are receiving successful sequels, I believe it’s unnecessary to produce a sequel for Footloose. Although I found the remake acceptable, it could never match the brilliance of the original version. Any further attempts, in my opinion, might not live up to its predecessor.

Apart from that, Kevin Bacon’s career has transitioned into portraying villainous roles, and he’s excelling at it. His upcoming series titled “The Bondsman” is slated to debut this spring as per the 2025 TV lineup, where he takes on the role of a demon hunter for Satan. Therefore, it seems like his days of dancing are over (except maybe if it’s with the devil, of course). You can catch this new dark comedy with a Prime Video subscription from April 3.

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2025-03-13 16:02