# Fred Astaire biographical film production

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fred-astaire-biographical-film-production
> Updated: 2026-09-27T21:08:49.000Z. Sources: 86. Developments: 2.

Sony Pictures is developing an untitled biographical film about the life and career of legendary dancer Fred Astaire. Directed by Paul King, the project is based on Kathleen Riley’s biography, ‘The Astaires: Fred & Adele’. 

Tom Holland is set to star as Astaire and has reportedly begun dance rehearsals for the role. Holland has expressed a desire to perform the film’s complex choreography himself without the use of doubles. The cast includes Margaret Qualley, portraying Astaire’s sister and early dance partner Adele Astaire, and Sabrina Carpenter, who will play his cinematic partner Ginger Rogers. The film aims to highlight Adele’s significant but historically overlooked contributions to the performing arts, noting that no footage of her dancing survives.

The screenplay is being co-written by King and Steven Levenson, with Riley serving as a consultant. The production has received support from the Astaire estate, including Fred Astaire’s daughter, Ava Astaire McKenzie.

## Claims

- Paul King is set to direct the project. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sabrina Carpenter has been cast as Ginger Rogers. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Margaret Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, Fred's sister. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Sony Pictures is producing the Fred Astaire biographical film. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The screenplay is based on the book 'The Astaires: Fred & Adele' by Kathleen Riley. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Tom Holland has begun rehearsals for his role as Fred Astaire. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Tom Holland to star in Fred Astaire biopic with Sabrina Carpenter

Tom Holland, Sabrina Carpenter, and Margaret Qualley will star in an upcoming Fred Astaire biopic directed by Paul King for Sony Pictures.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tom-holland-to-star-in-fred-astaire-biopic-with-sabrina-carpenter

### 2026-09-25: Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley join Tom Holland in Fred Astaire biopic

Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley join Tom Holland in an upcoming Fred Astaire biopic directed by Paul King for Sony Pictures.

67 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/margaret-qualley-and-sabrina-carpenter-join-tom-holland-in-fred-astaire-biopic

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Cite as: Fred Astaire biographical film production. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fred-astaire-biographical-film-production