Tom Holland, the renowned actor known for his portrayal of Spider-Man, is gearing up for his next big role – a biopic about the legendary dancer and choreographer, Fred Astaire.
With a busy summer ahead, which includes promoting The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland is ready to take on the challenge of a lifetime. It’s been nearly five years since he revealed he’d be leading the Paul King-directed, Steven Levenson-penned film, and he’s now shared an update on the project.
During an appearance on Good Morning America, Holland expressed his excitement and nerves about taking on the iconic role. ‘For me, what I love about my job is the challenges,’ he explained. ‘We have Fred Astaire next, is what we’re planning on doing. And as soon as I finish with these tours, I’m diving back into the dance studio.’
Holland noted that his on-screen dancing in the biopic will be a crucial aspect of the film, and he wants to make sure it’s done justice. He revealed that he has ‘a desire to use no doubles, to do all of the dancing, to shoot those dances in one shot – how [Astaire] would have done it.’
This commitment to authenticity is evident in Holland’s approach to the project. He’s been training tirelessly to master Astaire’s dance moves, and the results are already impressive. ‘I did my first few rehearsals recently, and it both filled me with excitement and absolute dread because I’ve got so much work to do to try and do Fred proud,’ he added.
The film, which is being produced by Amy Pascal and Sony, is not to be confused with the Amazon and Automatik’s Fred & Ginger, starring Jamie Bell as Astaire and Margaret Qualley as Ginger Rogers in their on and off-screen love story. Holland’s role in the biopic is a testament to his dedication to his craft and his willingness to take on challenging roles.
Interestingly, Holland’s connection to the world of dance goes beyond his role in the biopic. He began his career starring in the title role of Billy Elliot: The Musical on the West End from 2008 to 2010, following a brief run as the protagonist’s best friend Michael Caffrey. This experience has likely influenced his approach to the project and given him a unique understanding of the world of dance.
As the film inches closer to production, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the biopic. With Holland’s dedication to the project and his commitment to authenticity, it’s clear that this film will be a must-watch for dance enthusiasts and moviegoers alike.