Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley Join Tom Holland's Fred Astaire Biopic

Hollywood is serving up major silver-screen nostalgia with a stacked new cast. Pop superstar Sabrina Carpenter and acclaimed actress Margaret Qualley are officially joining Tom Holland in Sony Pictures’ untitled Fred Astaire biopic. The casting adds huge star power to a movie focused on one of entertainment history's most celebrated performers. Carpenter will step into the dancing shoes of legendary star Ginger Rogers. Rogers was Astaire’s most famous silver-screen dance partner, teaming up with him for a legendary run of musical movies that defined an era of cinema. Qualley is set to play Adele Astaire, Fred’s older sister and original performing partner. Long before Fred became a Hollywood titan, the sibling duo reigned supreme on stage, headlining high-profile theatrical productions across Broadway and London’s West End.

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Helming the upcoming biographical project is filmmaker Paul King, widely celebrated for directing the beloved *Paddington* movies. King is working from a screenplay he co-wrote alongside Steven Levenson. The script takes direct inspiration from Kathleen Riley’s non-fiction book *The Astaires: Fred & Adele*, which chronicles the early career and artistic partnership of the famous siblings. Riley herself is attached to the film as both a story and script consultant to keep the narrative grounded in history. The project also boasts direct support from the late performer's family. Astaire’s daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, has given the feature her full blessing, while her son, Tyler McKenzie, is actively involved behind the scenes as a co-producer and consultant.

BUZZBEAT

The film features a formidable lineup of producers bringing the theatrical story to life. Veteran producer Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor lead the team alongside Holland, who is producing under his Billy17 banner. Ben Holden and Josh Hyams are also on board as producers representing Lightbulb Pictures. The executive producing team includes Harry Holland and Will South on behalf of Billy17, as well as Will Clarke and Andy Mayson representing Altitude Films. Levenson also holds an executive producer. With Holland playing the lead role and Carpenter and Qualley rounding out the principal cast, the film promises to deliver a high-energy look at the talent, dedication, and dazzling choreography that made the Astaire family worldwide icons.