Julianne Hough Keeps Role In “Footloose” Despite Recasting CMT.com is reporting that Julianne Hough has kept her role as Ariel in the upcoming remake of Footloose. The male lead role had been recast twice so far, after Chace Crawford and Zac Efron dropped out. Newcomer Kenny Wormald, who has reportedly danced on Justin Timberlake’s tour and on Danceline on MTV, has been cast as Ren, the lead character originally played by Kevin Bacon. The movie is scheduled to hit theaters April 1, 2011. Tags: Julianne Hough