Sony's Fred Astaire biopic has its full cast. Margaret Qualley joins the project as Adele Astaire, Fred's sister and original Broadway partner. Sabrina Carpenter is set as Ginger Rogers. Both are opposite Tom Holland, who has been attached to the lead role for approximately five years.
Paul King directs from a screenplay by Steven Levenson, whose credits include the series Fosse/Verdon and the 2021 film Tick, Tick... Boom! The project is produced by Amy Pascal and is based on Kathleen Riley's book The Astaires: Fred & Adele. Production is scheduled to begin in January 2027, according to reports.
The film traces the Astaire siblings from their days as a vaudeville act through Broadway and the West End, then pivots to Fred's solo career alongside Ginger Rogers. Holland, who began his career in the West End production of Billy Elliot, has committed to performing all his own dancing. Qualley is a classically trained ballet dancer. Carpenter's stage credits include Broadway's Mean Girls. Qualley was selected from a shortlist that included Monica Barbaro, according to World of Reel.
The Astaire estate has opposed the project. Fred Astaire's will reportedly stated he did not want his life dramatized on screen. Legal options to block production appear limited.
King's previous film, Wonka, earned $634 million worldwide. Whether that goodwill holds when the footwork starts is the open question.
