Producer Craig Zadan approached Ron Howard to direct the 1984 film Footloose after reading and enjoying the script. Howard declined the opportunity, doubting his ability to convincingly film the movie's dance and musical sequences. The project subsequently went to acclaimed director Michael Cimino, who was removed from the production after making excessive financial demands and other disputes. Herbert Ross then took over and completed the film.

Footloose became a substantial commercial and cultural success, earning significantly more at the box office than Howard's concurrent project Splash and receiving two Oscar nominations. When later interviewed about the foregone opportunity, Howard reflected that with his expanded filmmaking skills, he might have been willing to attempt the musical elements. Despite this retrospective confidence, Howard has never directed a song-and-dance film throughout his subsequent career.