Sony Pictures’ forthcoming untitled biographical drama centering around the life of legendary American actor, dancer, and singer Fred Astaire has found its director. According to THR, Paddington filmmaker Paul King has signed on to direct the biopic that Spider-Man: No Way Home star Tom Holland has been attached to lead since 2021.
This marks King’s second music-related project in recent years, as he recently wrapped production on the upcoming Charlie and the Chocolate Factory prequel Wonka, which is being led by another sought-after young actor — Timothée Chalamet.
The Fred Astaire biopic will be 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. The film is produced by Amy Pascal, Rachael O’Conner, Ben Holden, and Josh Hyams.
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.
This marks the second Fred Astaire project currently in development, as it was previously announced that Amazon Studios is also producing a film titled Fred & Ginger, which will center around the on and off-screen romance between Astaire and long-time collaborator Ginger Rogers. The project will be led by Jamie Bell and Margaret Qualley in titular roles.
Holland is no stranger to dancing, as he first started his career in the West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical when he was only 13 years old. He also got the chance to show off his dancing skills during a 2017 episode of Lip Sync Battle where he performed a mashup of “Singin’ in the Rain,” and Rihanna’s “Umbrella.”
