Fans Praise Sabrina Carpenter’s Casting in the Upcoming Fred Astaire Biopic
Hollywood has spoken; it wants to draw even more inspiration from past eras. For years, filmmakers have developed projects that take audiences back in time. Now, fans will get a chance to see Old Hollywood recreated with a Fred Astaire biopic starring Tom Holland. While there isn’t a ton of information on release dates or filming schedules, casting news is dribbling out and fans are excited. Sabrina Carpenter is set to take on the role of Astaire’s longtime on-screen partner, Ginger Rogers. Fans were quick to point out how on-point the casting feels.
The cast of an upcoming Fred Astaire biopic takes shape
Fans who are excited to see the Astaire family’s Hollywood legacy play out on screen just got more good news. The cast of the biopic is shaping up to include some big-name stars, including Tom Holland, Sabrina Carpenter and Margaret Qualley.
Holland is set to take on the lead role as Fred Astaire. Margaret Qualley will portray Adele Astaire, Fred’s sister and a vaudeville star in her own right. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Carpenter will take on the role of Ginger Rogers, Fred’s dance partner and co-star. Astaire and Rogers worked together for years, appearing in 10 films together. They were considered the golden dance couple of Old Hollywood before they sought out independent success.
Paddington filmmaker Paul King is directing the Sony film. It will be based on Kathleen Riley’s book The Astaires: Fred and Adele. It’s Carpenter’s first major film role since becoming a pop star and signals a return to her acting roots. Before becoming a pop star, Carpenter was a child actor, appearing on Girl Meets World as Maya Hart at just 15.
A natural Old Hollywood look
The announcement that Sabrina Carpenter would portray Ginger Rogers was met with praise from fans, many of whom noted how similar Carpenter looks to Ginger Rogers. Rogers’ 1930s screen image was built on soft, sculpted blond curls, a bright, expressive face, and a playful glamour that was versatile. Carpenter’s signature style follows a similar pattern. Her voluminous blond curls, retro-inspired gowns, dramatic lashes, and knowing, wide-eyed smile embody the “Old Hollywood” vibe that Rogers lived through.
There’s a resemblance in attitude, too. Rogers was sharp-tongued and funny and a bit cheeky. That mix of glamour and humor is also part of Carpenter’s persona.
The differences
While it is easy to see that Carpenter’s facial features match up perfectly with Rogers, there is one notable physical difference between the two stars. Carpenter is much, much shorter than Ginger Rogers. Rogers stood about 5 feet 5 inches, making her slightly above average height for a woman born in the 1910s. Carpenter is rather petite, clocking in at just about 5 feet even.
The height difference shouldn’t be too difficult to overcome. Tom Holland is a bit shorter than Fred Astaire was, and clever camera work and costumes will likely make the height discrepancy feel minor.
