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After five years in development, Tom Holland and "Wonka" director Paul King’s biopic about late Hollywood dance legend Fred Astaire has finally taken a major step forward by casting its two female leads. Deadline reports that Margaret Qualley will play Fred’s sister Adele Astaire, while singer Sabrina Carpenter will portray late Oscar winner Ginger Rogers, his longtime dance partner and co-star across multiple films.
Holland and Qualley both have extensive dance backgrounds and received formal ballet training, giving them a strong foundation for the roles. Best known for her music career, Carpenter previously starred in the Netflix dance film "Work It" and has trained in dance since her days as a child performer. Together, the three stars bring plenty of box-office appeal—and the skills to back up the casting.
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The latest draft of the screenplay was co-written by King and "Dear Evan Hansen" playwright Steven Levenson. The story will center on the relationship between Fred and Adele, who began performing together as children in a song-and-dance vaudeville act. Adele was initially the duo’s star attraction, but Fred’s talent and rising profile eventually eclipsed hers. The siblings ended their partnership in 1932 after Adele married. Although the split dealt Fred a major emotional blow, it also pushed him toward movies, setting the stage for the most celebrated chapter of his career.
In an interesting twist, Qualley was previously attached to star opposite Jamie Bell in another Fred Astaire biopic, "Fred & Ginger." That project was set to focus on the relationship between Astaire and Rogers, with Qualley originally slated to play Rogers. Production later stalled, however, and no further updates have surfaced.
via： Deadline