Sabrina Carpenter joins Tom Holland in Fred Astaire biopic

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter has joined the cast of an upcoming biopic about Hollywood dance legend Fred Astaire, with Tom Holland set to play the iconic performer.

Carpenter will portray Ginger Rogers, Astaire’s longtime screen dance partner, while Margaret Qualley will play Astaire’s elder sister and early dance partner, Adele Astaire.

The film, which has yet to receive an official title, will be directed by British filmmaker Paul King, known for “Paddington” and “Wonka.”

Astaire and Rogers became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated dance duos after appearing together in “Flying Down to Rio” in 1933. They went on to star in nine films together between 1933 and 1939 before reuniting for “The Barkleys of Broadway” in 1949.

Carpenter rose to fame through Disney Channel shows before moving into film and music. Her performances and music videos have often drawn on old-Hollywood glamour and retro aesthetics.

For Holland, the role marks a return to his early roots in dance. He began his performing career on stage as Billy Elliot in London’s West End, playing the role at the Victoria Palace Theatre from 2008 to 2010 before transitioning to film and eventually becoming widely known as Spider-Man.

King said Astaire transformed dance on the big screen, particularly through his work with Rogers. He also highlighted Adele Astaire’s largely undocumented legacy, noting that no known footage of her survives.

The project was first announced about five years ago and is now set to move into production with Holland, Carpenter and Qualley in the lead roles.