Margaret Qualley and Sabrina Carpenter Join Tom Holland's Fred Astaire Biopic

Tom Holland's long-gestating Fred Astaire biopic has added two major names to its cast. Margaret Qualley will play Adele Astaire, the legendary dancer's elder sister and early stage partner, while Sabrina Carpenter will take on the role of Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire's most famous screen collaborator.

The yet-to-be-titled film will be directed by Paul King, whose previous credits include 'Wonka' and the 'Paddington' films. Amy Pascal is producing.

The project centres on the story of Fred and Adele Astaire, who became stars on Broadway and in London's West End before Fred embarked on his Hollywood career. While Fred Astaire is best remembered for his dance partnership with Rogers, the film also aims to spotlight Adele's role in their early success.

The screenplay is based on Kathleen Riley's book 'The Astaires: Fred & Adele'. King co-wrote the script with Steven Levenson, and Riley is attached as a script and story consultant. Fred Astaire's daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie, and grandson Tyler McKenzie, who also serves as a consultant and co-producer, have backed the project.

Fred Astaire appeared in more than 30 musical films across a career spanning seven decades. His pairing with Rogers remains one of Hollywood's most celebrated, with films such as 'Top Hat' (1935), 'Swing Time' (1936) and 'The Gay Divorcee' (1934).

Holland has been attached to the role for roughly five years and has begun preparing for it. He recently discussed returning to dance rehearsals during an appearance on 'Good Morning America'. Before gaining fame as Spider-Man, Holland started his acting career on the London stage, playing the lead in 'Billy Elliot the Musical' from 2008 to 2010.

Holland is also producing through his banner Billy 17, alongside Pascal and Rachel O'Connor of Pascal Pictures, and Ben Holden and Josh Hyams of Lightbulb Pictures.