Sabrina Carpenter to Play Ginger Rogers in Tom Holland’s Fred Astaire Biopic Directed by Paul King
Pop singer Sabrina Carpenter and The Substance actor Margaret Qualley will star alongside Tom Holland in an upcoming untitled biographical film about American dancer Fred Astaire, according to reports by Deadline and TheWrap. Directed by filmmaker Paul King and produced at Sony Pictures, the project chronicles the lives of theatrical legends Fred and Adele Astaire, with Holland playing Fred, Carpenter taking on the role of his frequent silver-screen partner Ginger Rogers, and Qualley portraying his original dance partner and sister, Adele Astaire.
According to Deadline, the film marks Carpenter’s first major starring movie role since her 2024 hit song “Espresso.” The 27-year-old singer and Disney Channel alum recently won her first Emmy for appearing in a Muppet Show special on Disney+ and previously acted in films like Tall Girl and The Hate U Give. She will also reunite with Qualley after the actors appeared together in a 2026 music video titled “House Tour,” reported Deadline.
Margaret Qualley Cast as Adele Astaire in Paul King’s Feature
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The screenplay is written by Steven Levenson and Paul King, drawing from Kathleen Riley’s book titled The Astaires: Fred And Adele. Riley serves as a script and story consultant for the movie. Ava Astaire McKenzie, daughter of Fred Astaire, supports the project alongside her son Tyler McKenzie, who acts as a consultant and co-producer, per details obtained by TheWrap.
Production Team and Background on the Cast
Tom Holland, who rose to prominence as a dancer in the 2008 West End production of Billy Elliot The Musical before starring as Peter Parker in Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man franchise, has pursued the dancing role for several years. According to the A.V. Club, Holland first floated his interest in playing Fred Astaire in 2021, with Paul King signing on to direct in 2023. Holland’s recent credits include Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey alongside Anne Hathaway and Matt Damon.
The film is produced by Amy Pascal and Rachel O’Connor for Pascal Pictures, Ben Holden and Josh Hyams for Lightbulb Pictures, and Tom Holland for Billy17. Executive producers include Harry Holland and Will South for Billy17, Will Clarke and Andy Mayson for Altitude Films, and Steven Levenson.
Did You Know?
Fred and Adele Astaire spent 27 years performing together on the vaudeville, Broadway, and West End circuits before Adele retired from the stage following her marriage in the 1930s, leaving Fred to transition into his legendary film career with co-stars like Ginger Rogers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is directing the Fred Astaire biopic?
Paddington and Wonka filmmaker Paul King is set to direct the untitled biopic for Sony Pictures.
Which actors are starring in the film?
Tom Holland will star as Fred Astaire, Sabrina Carpenter will play Ginger Rogers, and Margaret Qualley will portray Adele Astaire.
What book is the movie based on?
The project is based on Kathleen Riley’s biography, The Astaires: Fred And Adele.
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