Tom Holland’s Fred Astaire Biopic Finally Finds Its Leading Ladies

Few passion projects have lingered in development quite like Tom Holland’s Fred Astaire biopic. The Spider-Man star first said he would lead the Sony Pictures film nearly 5 years ago, back in 2021, and fans have been waiting ever since for signs that it would actually move forward.

According to a GQ profile, Sony’s Amy Pascal was the one who wanted to see Holland take on the legendary dancer. It’s a role that plays to his strengths, as Holland previously performed in the West End production of ‘Billy Elliot the Musical’, and he has said he hopes to do all the dancing himself without doubles.

Now, the project has taken a major step forward. Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter have joined Holland in the untitled film, as first reported by Deadline. Qualley will play Adele Astaire, Fred’s older sister and his first professional dance partner on Broadway and in London’s West End. Carpenter will portray Ginger Rogers, who paired with Astaire in a string of Hollywood films that defined his screen career.

Qualley was reportedly on a shortlist alongside Monica Barbaro before landing the role. The casting also brings together 2 stars with a history, as Qualley, who has extensive ballet training, previously worked with Carpenter on the music video for her song ‘House Tour’.

Directing duties belong to Paul King, the filmmaker behind ‘Paddington’, ‘Paddington 2’, and ‘Wonka’. He co-wrote the screenplay with Steven Levenson, based on Kathleen Riley’s book ‘The Astaires: Fred & Adele’, with Riley serving as a script and story consultant.

In a statement, King said he was thrilled and honored to tell the story of Fred and his big sister Adele. He also noted that Adele’s career has received less historical attention, partly because no footage of her performances survives.

The production also has the family’s support. Fred Astaire’s daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, has given her blessing, while her son, Tyler McKenzie, is serving as a consultant and co-producer.

Pascal and Rachel O’Connor are producing alongside Holland through his company Billy17, as well as Ben Holden and Josh Hyams of Lightbulb Pictures. Executive producers include Harry Holland, Will South, Will Clarke, Andy Mayson, and Levenson.

The announcement has sparked plenty of discussion online. Qualley’s casting has been widely seen as a natural fit given her dance background, while some observers view Carpenter as the bigger gamble.

One fan summed up the mixed feelings, noting that King made audiences believe in a CG bear but calling Carpenter as Ginger Rogers a tall ask. Still, Carpenter arrives with an impressive résumé, including 2 Grammy awards and acting roles in ‘The Hate U Give’ and ‘Work It’.

Qualley, meanwhile, has already proven herself in period performance with ‘Fosse/Verdon’. Her Broadway-era storyline alongside Holland will likely anchor the film’s emotional core.

Carpenter’s involvement as Rogers suggests the film will extend beyond the Fred-and-Adele years and into Astaire’s Hollywood rise. The movie follows Holland’s massive success with ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, signaling his interest in a role built around dance and Hollywood history.

The biopic does not yet have an official title or release date. For now, fans will have to imagine Holland, Qualley, and Carpenter gliding across the dance floor until Sony shares more details.

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