Tom Holland has just taken a decisive step in one of the projects he has been pursuing most persistently in recent years. The Fred Astaire biopic, first announced in 2021, has added Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley to its cast, according to Deadline.
The news arrives at a key moment for Holland, who in 2026 starred in The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, two of the year's most talked-about releases. With this addition, the biopic about the legendary dancer and actor finally seems to be moving toward full production after a long period of development.
A cast built to reconstruct the story of the Astaire siblings
The project is not limited to chronicling Fred Astaire's solo career. Sabrina Carpenter will play Ginger Rogers, the dance partner with whom Astaire formed one of classic Hollywood's most recognizable pairings, starring together in titles such as Top Hat, Shall We Dance and The Barkleys of Broadway.
Margaret Qualley, for her part, will play Adele Astaire, Fred's older sister and his first stage partner. The film will place special emphasis on the siblings' early years, before Fred became one of cinema's great dance icons.
Who was Fred Astaire, and why does this role matter for Holland?
Fred Astaire, born in 1899, was an actor, singer, choreographer and one of the most influential dancers in film history. He began his career alongside Adele long before achieving fame in Hollywood, and later found in Ginger Rogers his most celebrated on-screen partner.
The connection to Tom Holland is evident. Before becoming Spider-Man, the British actor launched his professional career on stage, playing Billy Elliot in London's West End. His desire to now portray Astaire therefore seems less like an impulsive choice and more like the culmination of an interest he has carried since his earliest years as a performer.
Two stars in the midst of expanding their acting careers
Sabrina Carpenter, now one of the most prominent musical artists of the moment, began her acting career on Disney Channel with Girl Meets World. Since then she has appeared in The Hate U Give and was the star guest of the The Muppet Show special released in 2026.
Margaret Qualley is likewise going through a period of intense activity. With roles in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood and The Substance, as well as Honey Don't! and Blue Moon, the actress has continued expanding her filmography in 2026 with How to Make a Killing, alongside Glen Powell, and The Dog Stars, with Jacob Elordi.
The challenge of recovering a story with almost no visual record
The film's director has highlighted the difficulty of reconstructing the figure of Adele Astaire, of whom no known footage exists showing her dancing. In his own words, quoted by Deadline, he feels honored to bring to the screen both Fred Astaire's legacy and that of his sister, whose work has been largely lost to history. The director has stressed that taking on this challenge alongside Tom Holland, Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter gives him the confidence needed to bring these two icons of the last century back to life.
A film that also carries controversy
The project is not free of controversy. Fred Astaire made clear during his lifetime that he did not want Hollywood to make a biography about him, a fact that drew criticism as soon as Tom Holland's involvement was confirmed in December 2021.
However, the production has the direct involvement of the Astaire family. Ava Astaire McKenzie, the artist's daughter, and Tyler McKenzie, Fred Astaire's grandson, are serving as consultants on the project.
Ava Astaire McKenzie has publicly endorsed the initiative, saying she is happy to support this effort to celebrate the careers and legacy of her father and her aunt, two of the greatest musical stars of their era. According to her statements, Kathleen Riley's biography, used as the basis for the script, together with the creative team assembled, ensures that the story of the siblings' partnership, both on and off the stage, is in good hands.
Five years of waiting that are finally paying off
With Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley now confirmed, the Fred Astaire biopic appears to have definitively emerged from the uncertainty that surrounded it since its initial announcement. Beyond a conventional biography of a great figure of classic Hollywood, the project aims to bring to the forefront an almost forgotten story: that of Adele Astaire, whose artistic career could become one of the film's most revealing elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who will play Fred Astaire in the biopic?
Tom Holland will bring Fred Astaire to life in this film, a project the actor has been developing since it was first announced in 2021.
What role will Sabrina Carpenter have in the film?
Sabrina Carpenter will play Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire's historic dance partner in several classic Hollywood musicals.
Who will Margaret Qualley play?
Margaret Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, Fred's older sister and his first artistic partner on stage.
Why does the Fred Astaire biopic generate controversy?
Because Fred Astaire himself expressed during his lifetime his opposition to having a biographical film made about him, which sparked criticism when the project became known in 2021.
Does Fred Astaire’s family agree with the film?
Yes, members of the family are involved as consultants on the production, including his daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie, who has publicly shown her support for the project.
What is the film’s script based on?
The production draws primarily on Kathleen Riley's biography of Fred and Adele Astaire, according to the artist's own family.
