Tom Holland has secured his main female co-stars for an upcoming Fred Astaire biopic, adding Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley to the cast.
The cinematic project tracing the life of legendary entertainer Fred Astaire is taking shape in Hollywood. Best known for his heroic turns in blockbusters like Spider-Man: Brand New Day
, Tom Holland is stepping firmly back into the dance studio to portray the iconic performer. While the film lacks an official title and a set release date according to early production updates, the expanding cast brings together major film and music talent under seasoned direction.
Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley Join the Cast
Director Paul King, celebrated for his work on Paddington and Wonka, shared the casting news with industry publications. Two-time Grammy winner Sabrina Carpenter is set to play Ginger Rogers, bringing her distinct retro aesthetic alongside established acting and dancing credentials following her early career in Disney productions.
Meanwhile, Margaret Qualley—recognized for her performances in projects like The Substance—will portray Adele Astaire, Fred’s older sister and his original professional dance partner. The sibling duo initially built their reputation in vaudeville before achieving stardom on Broadway and in the London West End prior to Adele concluding her stage career in 1932.
Honoring a Legendary Musical Heritage
The film aims to capture a comprehensive portrait of the Astaire siblings’ early partnership while also examining Fred’s later cinematic triumphs. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers cemented their legacy during the 1930s by starring together in a string of classic musical films.
- Flying Down to Rio
- Top Hat
- Swing Time
- Shall We Dance
- The Barkleys of Broadway (1949)
Tom Holland Returns to His Tap-Dancing Roots
For the lead actor, taking on the role represents a deeply personal homecoming to the discipline that launched his professional career. Long before donning superhero spandex, a young Holland starred in the London production of Billy Elliot the Musical.
The actor has expressed regret over pausing his dance training after his early West End run.
Creative Leadership and Family Support
The narrative framework draws directly from Kathleen Riley’s biography The Astaires: Fred & Adele, with Riley serving as a historical and script consultant alongside screenwriters Paul King and Steven Levenson.