Tom Holland has been busy promoting both “The Odyssey” and “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” but he is already looking ahead to his next major project. The actor revealed that he has begun preparing to portray legendary entertainer Fred Astaire, sharing how he plans to tackle the iconic role.
The update comes as the planned biopic continues to face pushback from members of Astaire’s family.
Tom Holland has been making rounds to promote his two most recent films, “The Odyssey” and the fourth installment in the superhero franchise, “Spider-Man: Brand New Day.” While talking about the latter, the actor also provided an update about his upcoming project, a biopic focusing on the iconic entertainer Fred Astaire.
The untitled biopic was first announced five years ago, and after years in development, it is finally moving forward. According to Holland, he has begun preparing for his role and has spent some time in the dance studio.
“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,” the actor said on “Good Morning America.“
The Actor Wants To Challenge Himself And Refuses To Use A Double
Holland has been dancing since he was 9 years old, and he trained in hip-hop, ballet, and tap. At 12 years old, he was cast in the West End production “Billy Elliot the Musical” and trained in acrobatics and gymnastics to further develop his skills and agility. His years of training provide a solid foundation for portraying Astaire.
The entertainer, who was known for revolutionizing how dance was captured on film, was a perfectionist who insisted on uninterrupted choreography to allow the audience to appreciate his craft.
Holland is up for the challenge and doesn’t want to use a body double for the biopic. “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,” the actor explained.
Tom Holland’s Role Was Announced In 2021
The biopic is being produced by Sony Pictures and Pascal Pictures. Paul King, who directed “Paddington” and “Wonka,” has been tapped to helm the movie.
In 2021, “Spider-Man” producer Amy Pascal, who will also produce the Astaire biopic, said she wanted Holland to play the dancer. “There are very few actors working now who are versatile in the way that he is. And he’s the hardest-working person that I know,” Pascal told GQ.
Later that same year, Holland confirmed that he would be playing Astaire.
Fred Astaire Did Not Want Films About Him To Be Made
Astaire began his professional career at 5 years old in 1905 and starred in more than 40 films. He earned many accolades in his decades-long career and is considered the most influential dancer in film history. He received an Honorary Academy Award for his contributions to musical films, and won three Golden Globes and nine Primetime Emmy Awards.
Throughout his life, Astaire repeatedly said that no amount of money would make him sell the rights to his life story. The legendary dancer passed away in 1987 at 88 years old, and according to reports, his last will included a clause that no film about his life should ever be made, as he didn’t want Hollywood to misinterpret his life and career.
While there have been no biopics released about him thus far, he has been the subject of several documentaries.
The Dancer’s Widow Is Against The Biopic
In 2025, Astaire’s widow, Robyn Astaire, sent a legal letter to Pascal and cited the clause in her husband’s will highlighting that his life shouldn’t be depicted on screen. Robyn is determined to respect the dancer’s final wishes and made it clear that Astaire’s estate does not approve of the biopic.
Pascal and Sony Pictures have not publicly responded to Robyn, but according to an insider, the upcoming movie will be based on an autobiography that Sony owns the rights to, as reported by TMZ.
No other cast members have been officially announced for the biopic. Filming is scheduled to begin in January 2027.