Zac Efron was originally cast as Ren McCormack, but he pulled out in March 2009 because he did not want people to think that all he could do was sing and dance, and so he could star in "Charlie St. Cloud".
Justin Timberlake recommended Kenny Wormald to be in the film as he was a back up dancer for him.
Julianne Hough beat out several favorites including Hayden Panettiere, Miley Cyrus and Amanda Bynes for the part of Ariel Moore.
Miles Teller had played his on-screen role of Willard Hewitt in a high school version of "Footloose: The Musical".
Craig Brewer: His boots are seen dancing in the opening credits when the words "A Craig Brewer Film" appears.