Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter Join Tom Holland in Fred Astaire Biopic
Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter have joined an upcoming biographical film about the iconic performer Fred Astaire. The movie stars Tom Holland as Astaire, with Carpenter portraying his longtime dance partner Ginger Rogers. Qualley will take on the role of Astaire’s sister, Adele Astaire, in the film.
The project is being directed by Paul King, who will also work with Steven Levenson on the screenplay, according to Consequence. The script is based on Kathleen Riley's book The Astaires: Fred & Adele.
Fred Astaire’s daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, has approved the film and her son Tyler McKenzie is helping as a consultant and co-producer. Producers include Amy Pascal and Rachel O'Connor along with Holland through his Billy17 production company. Ben Holden and Josh Hyams are producing for Lightbulb Pictures.
The biopic has been in development for several years and is now moving closer to production. Holland has already begun dance rehearsals for the role and has said he hopes to perform the dance sequences himself without using a double.
Holland said during a recent interview that he wants the dance scenes to be filmed in long takes similar to the way Astaire's performances were presented. He said returning to dance training has been challenging because he had not worn tap shoes in about 15 years.
The story is expected to focus heavily on Fred Astaire's early career with Adele. Fred and Adele became successful performers on Broadway and in London's West End before Adele retired from the stage in 1932.
King has said one of the challenges will be recreating Adele's performances because no known film footage survives of her dancing. Astaire later became one of Hollywood's most famous dancers and appeared in a series of films with Ginger Rogers.
The casting of Qualley and Carpenter brings together performers with extensive dance and musical experience. Qualley studied dance when she was younger while Carpenter has incorporated choreography into her concerts and stage performances.
Holland is also known for his dance background. Before becoming known for superhero films, he performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in London's West End.
The film’s creative team hopes to bring the charm and elegance of Astaire’s performances to a new generation. It will highlight not only Astaire’s dancing but also his impact on the entertainment industry. The involvement of Astaire’s family adds a direct connection to the people being portrayed.
Filming is expected to begin in early 2027. No official release date has been announced.
The new casting gives the long-developing Sony Pictures project three of its most important roles. The film will examine both Astaire's partnership with his sister and the movie career that later made his dancing with Rogers famous around the world.