The casting for the highly anticipated Fred Astaire biopic is finally heating up. Tom Holland, who has been linked to the project for five years, is officially set to star as the legendary dancer. Joining him in the musical drama are Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter, who have been tapped to play two of the most pivotal women in Astaire’s life. Qualley will step into the shoes of Adele Astaire, Fred’s elder sister and original dance partner, while pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is set to portray the iconic Ginger Rogers, Fred’s legendary on-screen collaborator.
The film, which remains untitled for now, is being helmed by ‘Wonka’ director Paul King. The narrative will dive deep into the early success of Fred and Adele on the stages of Broadway and London’s West End before shifting focus to Fred’s meteoric rise in Hollywood. Based on Kathleen Riley’s book ‘The Astaires: Fred & Adele’, the script was co-written by King and Steven Levenson. The production has received the blessing of the Astaire family, with Fred’s daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, and his grandson, Tyler McKenzie, both serving as consultants on the film.
For Tom Holland, this role is a return to his roots. Long before he was swinging through the streets as Spider-Man, Holland cut his teeth on the London stage, famously starring in ‘Billy Elliot the Musical’ from 2008 to 2010. The actor has already jumped back into intense dance rehearsals to prepare for the demands of the role. Produced by Amy Pascal and Holland’s own banner, Billy 17, the film promises to honor the legacy of a performer whose career spanned seven decades and produced timeless classics like ‘Top Hat’ and ‘Swing Time’.