After all the rumors, speculation and backpedaling, there is now official word that "Gossip Girl" star [movieperson id="405053"]Chace Crawford[/movieperson] will replace [movieperson id="438080"]Zac Efron[/movieperson] in the [movie id="41366"]"Footloose"[/movie] remake.

Paramount Pictures announced that Crawford would reprise the role of Ren McCormack, a rebellious high school student who loves to dance, People reports. The role was made famous by Kevin Bacon in the 1984 original.

After Efron dropped out of the film to pursue other roles, Paramount released a statement saying the studio remained committed to the Kenny Ortega-helmed film. Ortega also directed the "High School Musical" movies with Efron.

Back in March, [article id="1608175"]rumors began circulating[/article] that Crawford had auditioned for the role. Just a day later those rumors were rebuffed with sources saying that [article id="1608268"]Crawford hadn't auditioned[/article].

A statement from the studio at the time said, " 'Footloose' is a project we've longed to see re-booted for a new generation. While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of Kenny Ortega, [producers] Neil Meron and Craig Zadan, who will reinvigorate the franchise."

Crawford is [article id="1610558"]currently filming "Twelve"[/article] in New York alongside rapper 50 Cent, Kiefer Sutherland, Emma Roberts and Ellen Barkin. It centers on a high school dropout named White Mike, played by Crawford, who deals pot and an ecstasy-like upper called twelve to Manhattan's young and wealthy.

"I got a chance to see it," 50 Cent told MTV News about "Gossip Girl." "It's cool just to be in the presence of talented artists."