Tom Holland Prepares for Fred Astastro Biopic with All-Dance Commitment

During a July 20 appearance on *Good Morning America*, the 30-year-old actor announced he has returned to a London studio to begin rehearsals for an untitled Fred Astaire biopic. Holland said the project, first announced in 2021, will feature him performing every dance sequence himself and filming the numbers in single takes, mirroring Astaire’s historic style. He described the early rehearsals as both “exciting” and “terrifying,” noting the extensive work required to honor the legendary dancer.

The Independent

Holland first entered the public eye as the title character in *Billy Elliot the Musical* on London’s West End (2008-2010), a role that demanded intensive ballet, tap, and contemporary training. The Fred Astaire biopic was announced in 2021 as a Sony Pictures production directed by Paul King (known for *Paddington* and *Wonka*). Sources differ on the screenwriter: some attribute the script to Steven Levenson, while others name Lee Hall. Production is expected to commence after Holland completes his current promotional commitments for *The Odyssey* and *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*.

Tom Holland refuses dance doubles for Fred Astaire biopic

• Age: 30 (as of the July 20 interview).

Express Tribune

• Current releases: *The Odyssey* (in theaters) and *Spider-Man: Brand New Day*, opening July 31.

Hollywood Reporter

• Project timeline: Announced 2021; rehearsals underway July 2026; production slated for after the promotional tour, with reports suggesting an early-2027 start.

Tom Holland Shares Desire to “Try And Do Fred Astaire Proud”

Holland framed the Astaire role as “the ultimate challenge” and emphasized his commitment to authenticity: he plans to forgo stunt or dance doubles and capture choreography in uninterrupted shots, a method Astaire famously employed. He also highlighted the personal significance of returning to the same central London studio where he first trained for *Billy Elliot*. Producer Amy Pascal confirmed the casting via a FaceTime call while Holland was “in the bath,” underscoring the informal yet momentous nature of the announcement.

The Independent

• Screenwriter attribution: *The Hollywood Reporter* and *People* name Steven Levenson; *HappyMag* and *Independent* cite Lee Hall. No definitive source resolves the discrepancy.

The Independent

• Production schedule: *People* indicates filming will begin after Holland’s promotional duties, while *The PeoplesMovies* suggests an early-2027 start. Exact dates remain unconfirmed.

The Independent

• “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.” — Tom Holland

Hollywood Reporter

• “I have a desire to use no doubles. To do all of the dancing. To shoot those dances in one shot. How he would have done it.” — Tom Holland

Hollywood Reporter

• “She FaceTimed me earlier. I was in the bath,” — Tom Holland

People Magazine