Finally, Grease aficionados have an explanation for why the main cast is so much older than the high school students they are playing.
The famous picture, which was released in 1978 and starred John Travolta and Dame Olivia Newton-John as Danny and Sandy, chronicled the adolescents’ love story as it unfolded against the backdrop of Rydell High School.
While the film has been panned for being ‘difficult’ in recent years, one aspect that many viewers have hard to accept is the performers’ age.
Despite playing teens, most of the key actors were in their 20s and 30s when Grease was made, with Travolta at the age of 23 and Newton-John at the age of 29.
However, casting director Joel Thurm has now clarified why older actors were hired, emphasising that it was done on purpose.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said: ‘People might say the cast is too old, but Grease is not a documentary; it’s a fantasy.
‘It is a non-PC fairytale that is better for the cast not being teens.’
He added: ‘The only thing that was important was that the cast all looked about the same age as each other, which they did.’
Well, that’s that then.
Newton-Star SandyLast August, John died ‘peacefully’ at her ranch in Southern California, aged 73, surrounded by family and friends.
Travolta led Instagram tributes to the late superstar, uploading a throwback shot of his former co-star.
‘My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better,’ he wrote in the caption. ‘Your impact was incredible. I love you so much.
‘We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the first moment I saw you and forever! Your Danny, your John!’