Tom Holland, Margaret Qualley, Sabrina Carpenter to Star in Fred Astaire Biopic

The upcoming untitled Fred Astaire biopic has secured a powerhouse cast, with Tom Holland set to embody the iconic dancer and actor, Margaret Qualley starring as his sister and original dance partner Adele Astaire, and Sabrina Carpenter portraying Ginger Rogers. The announcement, made by producers Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor, marks a significant step forward for a project that has been in development for several years.

Star-Studded Cast Brings Dance Legends to Life

Tom Holland, best known for his role as Spider-Man, brings his own dance training to the role, having performed on the West End in Billy Elliot the Musical. His performance as Fred Astaire will aim to capture the performer’s unmatched elegance and precision.

Margaret Qualley, an Emmy‑nominated actress recognized for her work in Fosse/Verdon and Maid, will portray Adele Astaire, whose partnership with Fred on Broadway and in London’s West End laid the foundation for their later cinematic success. Qualley’s recent Golden Globe nomination for The Substance underscores her ability to embody complex characters.

Sabrina Carpenter, a two‑time Grammy winner who earned her first Primetime Emmy nomination for her role as an executive producer and performer on The Muppet Show, will take on the role of Ginger Rogers, the actress and dancer who became Fred Astaire’s most famous screen partner. Carpenter’s filmography includes The Hate U Give and Work It, demonstrating her versatility across genres.

Director Paul King and Writers Assemble an Experienced Team

Paul King, who previously directed the critically acclaimed Paddington films and Warner Bros.’ Wonka, will helm the biopic. His vision is to balance the spectacle of classic Hollywood musicals with a deep, character‑driven narrative.

“I am thrilled and honored to have been entrusted with telling the story of Fred Astaire and his original dance partner — his big sister Adele — to the big screen,” King said. “Fred left a timeless legacy of dance on film, most famously in his collaborations with Ginger Rogers, while Adele’s work has been lost to history; indeed, no footage of her dancing survives. The cinematic challenge of bringing to life these icons of the 20th century is one that I could not imagine without Tom Holland, Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter by my side.”

The screenplay is written by Steven Levenson and Paul King, based on Kathleen Riley’s biography The Astaires: Fred & Adele. Riley will serve as a script and story consultant, ensuring historical accuracy.

The Astaire Legacy: From Broadway to Hollywood

Fred Astaire’s career began on the stage, where he and Adele became a sensation in the early 1900s. Their partnership defined the era’s tap and ballroom styles, influencing generations of performers. After Adele retired from performing, Fred transitioned to film, where his collaborations with Ginger Rogers created some of the most memorable dance sequences in cinema history.

The biopic will explore both the professional triumphs and the personal dynamics that shaped the Astaire siblings’ relationship, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the roots of Fred’s legendary status.

Production Details and Future Outlook

The film is produced by Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor for Pascal Pictures, Ben Holden and Josh Hyams for Lightbulb Pictures, and Tom Holland for Billy17. Executive producers include Harry Holland, Will South, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Steven Levenson. Ava Astaire McKenzie, Fred’s daughter, lends her support, with her son Tyler McKenzie serving as a consultant and co‑producer.

Principal photography is expected to begin later this year, with a release date yet to be announced. The project is anticipated to be a major awards‑season contender, given the involvement of acclaimed talent and the enduring appeal of the Astaire name.

As the film moves forward, it promises to illuminate a lesser‑known chapter of dance history while delivering the spectacular musical numbers that audiences have come to expect from a Fred Astaire biopic.

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