Spider-Man star says he wants to perform every dance sequence himself as preparations begin for the long-awaited Fred Astaire film.
Tom Holland says he is returning to the dance studio as he prepares to portray legendary entertainer Fred Astaire in an upcoming biographical film, describing the role as one of the biggest challenges of his career.
Speaking during an appearance on Good Morning America, the Spider-Man actor revealed that he will resume intensive dance training once he completes promotional duties for his latest projects.
“I now feel like I’m starting this chapter where I can’t quite get away with being a teenager anymore,” Holland said, reflecting on the next stage of his acting career.
The 30-year-old added that taking on demanding roles is what he enjoys most about filmmaking.
“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 said.
Holland admitted that his early dance rehearsals have been both exciting and intimidating, saying he hopes to honour Astaire’s legacy through his performance.
The actor also revealed that he plans to perform all of the film’s dance routines himself rather than relying on stunt performers or dance doubles.
The Fred Astaire biopic will be directed by Paul King from a screenplay by Steven Levenson. The project was first announced in 2021, when Holland confirmed he had signed on to portray the Hollywood icon.
At the time, Holland recalled learning he had secured the role during a FaceTime call with producer Amy Pascal, joking that he received the news while relaxing in the bath.
The update comes as Holland and his wife, Zendaya, continue promoting Spider-Man: Brand New Day, which is scheduled for release on July 31. The film marks the couple’s fourth Spider-Man collaboration after they first met while filming Spider-Man: Homecoming in 2017.
Fred Astaire, born in 1899, began performing as a child alongside his sister Adele on Broadway and the vaudeville circuit before becoming one of Hollywood’s most celebrated dancers and musical film stars.
His career included acclaimed performances in classics such as Dancing Lady, The Towering Inferno and Ghost Story. Astaire received an honorary Academy Award in 1950 for his contributions to cinema and was presented with the American Film Institute’s Life Achievement Award in 1981.
The upcoming biopic will chronicle the life and career of one of the most influential performers in film history.