Tom Holland Shares Fred Astaire Biopic Update, Wants To Film Dance Scenes As Oners: “How He Would Have Done It”
Tom Holland discussed his upcoming Fred Astaire biopic during a recent appearance on Good Morning America, revealing that production will move forward after his current promotional commitments conclude. The actor emphasized both the excitement and considerable challenge of the role, having completed initial rehearsals that highlighted the significant work required to do justice to the legendary dancer's legacy.
Holland outlined an ambitious vision for the film's choreography, expressing his intention to perform all dance scenes personally without stunt doubles and to film complete sequences in single uninterrupted takes—a technique that mirrors how Astaire famously shot his own iconic numbers. The project, directed by Paul King and written by Lee Hall, represents a continuation of Holland's established connection to dance, building on his earlier lead role in Billy Elliot: The Musical on London's West End.
In short
- Tom Holland provided an update on his Fred Astaire biopic, revealing he will begin intensive dance training after finishing promotional work for his current films
- Holland plans to perform all choreography without doubles and shoot dance sequences as single continuous takes, mirroring Astaire's original filmmaking approach
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
This approach honours Astaire's technical mastery by demanding genuine skill from the performer; single takes and personal performance preserve the unbroken flow of dance in its purest form, allowing audiences to appreciate raw talent without the intermediary of editing or doubles. It mirrors the cinema-vérité quality that made Astaire's original work remarkable, maintaining artistic authenticity for a modern audience.
The case against
The commitment to single takes and no stunt doubles introduces unnecessary occupational risks and constrains modern filmmaking's legitimate creative tools; contemporary audiences can appreciate skilled choreography through thoughtful editing and cinematography without production restrictions that could compromise safety or result in inferior takes. The priority should be creating the most compelling film possible rather than adhering to self-imposed constraints that may jeopardise both performer wellbeing and the final artistic product.
Explained simply
Fred Astaire was one of the most influential dancers and performers in cinema history, renowned for revolutionising dance on screen through his innovative choreography and technical mastery throughout the twentieth century. His performances remain celebrated as some of the finest examples of dance ever created for film.
Tom Holland, an actor known for roles across film including the Spider-Man franchise, is developing a biographical film about Astaire. Holland brings some experience in musical theatre, having performed as the lead in Billy Elliot: The Musical in London's West End.
The project aims to capture Astaire's legacy through an ambitious approach to dance sequences, with Holland intending to perform all the choreography himself rather than using stunt doubles, and to film complete routines in single uninterrupted takes in the style that Astaire himself pioneered. The film is being directed by Paul King with a script by Lee Hall.
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