Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter have joined the cast of Tom Holland's developing Fred Astaire biopic, according to Deadline as reported by Moviefone.
Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, Fred's older sister and original dance partner, while Carpenter will play Ginger Rogers, his celebrated later screen and dance partner.
Paul King is directing the film, with Holland starring and helping guide its development.
Production Background and Casting Shift
Sony and producer Amy Pascal began developing the biopic with Holland in 2021, according to Moviefone.
Steven Levenson, known for 'Fosse/Verdon,' co-wrote the screenplay with King, whose directing credits include 'Paddington' and 'Wonka.'
The casting marks a change from an earlier development path involving Qualley.
In 2023, Holland and Jamie Bell appeared to be attached to separate projects about Astaire's life, with Qualley associated with Bell's version as Ginger Rogers.
That separate film remains in development, according to Moviefone, while Qualley is now attached to Holland's project in the role of Adele Astaire.
Fred and Adele Astaire established their reputations as performers on Broadway and London's West End before Fred went on to become one of cinema's most prominent musical stars.
His collaborations with Rogers became a defining part of his film career, while Adele's dancing career has received considerably less historical attention.
King said he was honored to bring the siblings' story to the screen, emphasizing the importance of portraying Adele alongside her more widely remembered brother.
"I am thrilled and honored to have been entrusted with telling the story of Fred Astaire and his original dance partner — his big sister Adele — to the big screen," King said.
"Fred left a timeless legacy of dance on film, most famously in his collaborations with Ginger Rogers, while Adele's work has been lost to history; indeed, no footage of her dancing survives."
"The cinematic challenge of bringing to life these icons of the 20th century is one that I could not imagine without Tom Holland, Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter by my side."
Adele's lack of surviving dance footage presents a particular challenge for the production, according to King's statement.
The film's precise narrative scope has not been disclosed, and the project remains in development.
Ava Astaire McKenzie, Fred Astaire's daughter, supports the project alongside her son, Tyler McKenzie, according to Moviefone.
Their involvement adds family support to the film as King, Holland, Qualley, and Carpenter prepare to bring the Astaires' story to a new screen audience.
