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Tom Holland Says Fred Astaire Biopic Is Next After a Summer of ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day,’ Plans to Do “All of the Dancing” Himself
Tom Holland has said his next film is expected to be Sony Pictures’ long-planned, untitled drama about Fred Astaire, directed by Paul King. The role represents a major challenge for Holland, who wants to honour Astaire’s dance legacy by performing the routines himself and filming them in extended single takes.
Holland, 30, has begun rehearsals and intends to resume intensive dance training after finishing publicity for The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day. He previously performed in Billy Elliot the Musical in London’s West End from 2008 to 2010, but said he regretted giving up dance afterwards; The Odyssey is now in cinemas, while his fourth solo Spider-Man film opens on 31 July.
In short
- Holland says the Fred Astaire drama is his next film.
- He plans to perform every dance without a double.
- He will return to dance training after his current press tour.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Authenticity and respect for Astaire's extraordinary legacy demands genuine commitment to mastering the dancing rather than merely acting the role. Extended single takes of personally-performed choreography create superior cinema that truly honours the subject's unparalleled craft. Holland's Billy Elliot experience and expressed regret about abandoning dance demonstrate sincere dedication, not a superficial gesture. Audiences deserve to witness a real performer genuinely grappling with Astaire's techniques rather than an actor stepping aside for professionals.
The case against
Whilst admirable in intent, this approach risks serious impracticality and safety concerns without proportionate artistic benefit. Professional dancers and doubles exist for sound reasons—they enable authentic capture of complex choreography whilst protecting the lead performer and maintaining production feasibility. A biopic's power rests primarily on compelling acting, storytelling and direction rather than whether the lead performs every sequence personally. Even Astaire himself relied on choreographers and technical specialists; demanding a contemporary actor meet an impossibly higher standard is neither necessary nor demonstrably more respectful of his legacy.
Explained simply
Fred Astaire was one of cinema's greatest dancers, celebrated for his innovative choreography and his famous partnership with Ginger Rogers in Hollywood's golden age. Sony Pictures has been developing an untitled drama about his life, directed by Paul King.
Tom Holland, the 30-year-old actor best known for the Spider-Man films, will play Astaire. Holland trained in dance from an early age and spent two years performing in Billy Elliot the Musical in London's West End before focusing on his acting career.
The role requires portraying Astaire's technically complex choreography with precision and artistry. Holland's background as a trained dancer distinguishes him among actors taking on such roles, where the physical performance is as important as the acting itself.
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