Tom Holland is best known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, having established himself as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors. Now, the actor has provided a significant update on one of his most ambitious projects: a biopic about legendary dancer and performer Fred Astaire, revealing that his training for the role has filled him with both excitement and considerable apprehension.
The actor said his first rehearsal sessions made him realise how much work lies ahead as he prepares to honour Astaire’s legendary legacy.Image credit (Instagram)
While reflecting on the next chapter of his career during an appearance on ‘Good Morning America’ on July 20, Tom Holland shared details about his preparation for the Fred Astaire biopic. Holland revealed that he was already back in the dance studio preparing for the long-awaited project, describing his first rehearsal sessions as a humbling experience. “I did my first few rehearsals recently, and it both filled me with excitement and absolute dread because I’ve got so much work to do to try and do Fred proud,” Holland said during the interview.
Tom Holland describes challenges of stepping into Fred Astaire’s legacy
Holland acknowledged that he was entering a new professional phase where he could no longer rely on youthful charm alone. “I now feel like I’m starting this chapter where I can’t quite get away with being a teenager anymore,” the actor said. “For me, what I love about my job is the challenges. We have Fred Astaire next, which is what we’re planning on doing. And as soon as I finish with these tours, I’m diving back into the dance studio,” he added.
Holland said he hopes to avoid body doubles entirely and film the elaborate dance routines in single takes, just as Fred Astaire famously did.Image credit (Instagram)
The Spider-Man star admitted his first dance sessions left him feeling overwhelmed by the scope of the project ahead. Holland said he was determined to approach the role with authenticity and respect for Astaire’s legendary status in entertainment history. His dedication to the project was an expression of his sense of responsibility towards illustrating one of cinema history’s most iconic characters.
Tom Holland plans to perform dance sequences without body doubles
Holland also revealed his ambition for how the film’s dance numbers would be executed on screen. “I have a desire to use no doubles, to do all of the dancing, to shoot those dances in one shot, how he would have done it,” he said. His approach demonstrated respect for Astaire’s signature style of filming elaborate dance sequences in single takes, setting an exceptionally high bar for his own performance.
Holland admitted he feels a deep responsibility to do justice to Fred Astaire’s legacy as he prepares for the long-awaited biopic.Image credit (Instagram)
The biopic, which was to be directed by Paul King from a screenplay by Steven Levenson, was first announced in 2021, when Holland confirmed he had signed on to play Astaire.
Tom Holland’s new film: ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’
Holland’s latest update came as he and his wife Zendaya travelled the world promoting ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’. The film marks the married couple’s fourth Spider-Man movie together after first meeting on the set of 2017’s ‘Spider-Man: Homecoming’. Zendaya recently reflected on reuniting with Holland for the latest instalment, telling Elle that returning to the series feels familiar and rewarding. “Spider-Man was a dream; I get to go to work every day with my best friend, the person that I love,” she said. “We bring our dogs to work; it’s like a family affair. We grew up on those movies! It’s like coming home,” she added.‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ arrives in theatres on July 31.
