Producers of a planned remake of the classic teenage rebellion flick Footloose have been struggling for years to find the young male actor who can step into Kevin Bacon’s dancing shoes. Now, finally, it appears they may have done so.

Heroes and A Nightmare on Elm Street star Thomas Dekker is said to be very close to signing on for the role according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. The 22-year-old star is the latest in a long line of handsome young men who have been considered for the part.

Up until recently it appeared that Gossip Girl dreamboat Chace Crawford would be shimmying his way into the role, but he dropped out, reportedly due to scheduling conflicts. Before that, High School Musical star and Zac Efron was the leading contender until he decided he was tired of dancing in movies.

But Dekker, whose Kaboom just premiered to a great reception at Cannes, may be just the guy to take on the part originated by Bacon in the 1984 original. The story of a city boy who moves to a small town where dancing’s not allowed was a smash hit 26 years-ago.

The revolving door on the lead role isn’t the only shake up for the production. Director Craig Brewer recently stepped in to replace HSM’s Kenny Ortega. Shooting was supposed to start in the spring, but that date, obviously, has been pushed back.