No, I was not joking about Mandy as Ariel, or Topher as Willard. In fact, I was utterly serious.
Topher has the kind of easy going, lovable, and dimbulb screen personality that is perfect for Willard. And apprantly, he is somewhat of a singer as well.
As for Mandy as Ariel... If you have seen her movies, and aren't afraid to admit it, she is a damn good actress. She can also belt with the best of them. If her and Usher ever recorded "Almost Paradise", I would be the first in line to get it.
Now I have another question... Why on Earth does Hollywood only remake GOOD movies? Shouldn't they leave the good ones alone and try to remake bad ones that had potential? I have this feeling that they will be doing Footloose a disservice if they remake it.