During a recent appearance at the Critics Choice Association press conference, Spider-Man: No Way Home star Tom Holland has finally shared an update about the current status of Sony Pictures’ untitled Fred Astaire biopic. Holland confirmed the project is still currently in development, as the creative team works hard on crafting the right story.
“The movie is being developed. Scripts are being written,” Holland teased (via Collider). “Meetings are being had. Like anything in the film industry, whether it happens or not is another thing, but we are working towards it as if it is happening. Hopefully, we can find a way to tell the story in the way it needs to be told. I’d love to put my tap shoes on again and to portray that character, but we’ll have to wait and see.”
Who is Fred Astaire?
Fred Astaire was a multi-talented American actor, dancer, singer, and choreographer that was active from the 1930s to the early 1980s. He’s widely regarded as one of the greatest dancers in film history and had starred in a number of Broadway musicals, musical films, and television specials. He received further recognition for his tap dancing skills in classic musical films such as 1942’s Holiday Inn, 1948’s Easter Parade, 1953’s The Band Wagon, 1957’s Funny Face, and more.
The Fred Astaire biopic will be directed by Paddington’s Paul King from a screenplay written by Lee Hall (Rocketman). The project will reportedly center around the bond between Astaire and his sister Adele, who was his stage partner for more than 20 years.
Holland is set to portray the legendary American actor in the project, where he finally gets to showcase his singing and dancing skills after starring in the West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical when he was only 13 years old. It is produced by Amy Pascal, Rachael O’Conner, Ben Holden, and Josh Hyams.
