LOS ANGELES, Oct 10, 2008 (UPI via COMTEX) -- MGM reportedly is planning a $25
million remake of "Fame," the 1980 movie musical about a New York high school
for aspiring performers.

The Hollywood Reporter said Kristy Flores, Paul Iacono, Paul McGill, Naturi
Naughton, Kay Panabaker, Kherington Payne, Collins Pennie, Walter Perez and Anna
Maria Perez de Tagle have signed on for parts in the new picture.

"Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" star Thomas Dekker is in talks to take
a lead role and Debbie Allen, who played dance teacher Lydia in the original
movie and subsequent TV series, could return for a cameo as a different
character, the entertainment industry trade newspaper said.

The new movie is expected to start shooting late next month and is slated for a
Sept. 25, 2009 release, The Hollywood Reporter said.

"In many ways, the idea of pursuing a career in dance or music or acting is much
more palpable now," MGM chairman Mary Parent said.

"Anyone with a page on a social networking site is instantly 'famous,' and
anyone with a digital camera is a potential filmmaker. The negotiation between
fame and real talent is much more immediate and something with which audiences
are familiar, and there's a universal relatability to experiencing the trials
and tribulations associated with pursuing one's dream, regardless of the arena."