Tom Holland to play the revered Fred Astaire in new movie biopic

From friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man to iconic Hollywood song and dance man. As we gear up for the release of Spider-Man: No Way Home, star Tom Holland is already branching out beyond the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). He's next set to play the revered Fred Astaire in a movie based on the performer's life.

Holland will reunite with Sony Pictures and Spider-Man producer Amy Pascal for the movie, reports Variety. The actor confirmed the news after Pascal hinted at his casting during a GQ interview.

"The script came in a week ago," Holland told reporters. "I haven’t read it yet; they haven’t given it to me." Worried about spoilers, are we Tom? Owing to Astaire's public image, we imagine there's less to spoil compared to the secretive MCU.

Holland said of Pascal: "She FaceTimed me earlier. I was in the bath. And we had a lovely FaceTime, but I will be playing Fred Astaire."

The movie will allow Holland to return to his tap dance roots, as seen in the stage production of Billy Elliot. He played the role in London's West End from 2008 to 2010. Indeed, it was Holland's impressive sense of athleticism (further showcased on his own Instagram videos) that helped him to secure the role of Spider-Man.

Holland certainly has his work cut out for him. Astaire was nothing less than a symbol of the Golden Age of Hollywood, establishing a famed partnership with Ginger Rogers in the likes of Top Hat (1935). Widely considered one of the finest dancers and choreographers in the history of cinema, Astaire's career spanned nearly 80 years, encompassing films, stage productions and TV. Other noteworthy roles of his included Holiday Inn (1942), Easter Parade (1948) and Funny Face (1957).

 

 

No title or release date has yet been announced for the Fred Astaire movie. In the meantime, swing into Cineworld to catch Holland in Spider-Man: No Way Home. The movie is released on 15th December.