BEIJING, May 20 -- Teen heartthrob Chace Crawford has reportedly stepped in where Zac Efron feared to tread.

Actor Chace Crawford arrives to attend the Stand Up For A Cure concert with musician Dave Matthews in New York Sept. 10, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters, File Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The "Gossip Girl" hunk is to star in the remake of the classic dance movie "Footloose" in the lead role made famous by Kevin Bacon in 1984, Us Weekly reported on its Web site on Tuesday.

    "Chace Crawford will play the lead role of Ren McCormack in the film 'Footloose,'" the magazine quoted a Paramount Pictures spokesman as saying.

    Paramount could not immediately be reached for comment. Trade paper Daily Variety also reported the news on its Web site.

    The role of the rebellious outsider was first offered to "High School Musical" star Efron but he dropped out earlier this year because he felt the movie was too similar to his three-year run in the Disney Channel's musical blockbuster.

    Shooting on the "Footloose" remake is due to start in 2010 with "High School Musical" director Kenny Ortega at the helm.

    Crawford, 23, who plays wealthy New York teen Nate Archibald in the "Gossip Girl" series, is expected to continue his role in the upcoming third season of the TV show which is broadcast in the U.S. on the CW network.

    (Source: chinadaily.com.cn/Agencies)