Can Tom Holland match Fred Astaire without dance doubles? Actor says he has ‘so much work to do’ in upcoming biopic

Actor has already returned to rehearsal studio where ‘Billy Elliot the Musical’ journey first began for demanding role

Tom Holland has revealed that his next major career challenge may be his toughest yet, with the actor confirming he intends to perform every dance sequence himself in the upcoming Fred Astaire biopic. Fresh from promoting The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, Holland said he has already begun rehearsals and is determined to honour one of Hollywood's greatest entertainers without relying on dance doubles.

Speaking during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark, Holland explained that he plans to head straight back into intensive rehearsals once his current promotional commitments are complete. The actor admitted that his first dance sessions left him feeling both thrilled and overwhelmed because of the enormous expectations that come with portraying Astaire.

"As soon as I finish with these tours, I'm diving back into the dance studio," Holland said, adding that he has "so much work to do" if he wants to do the legendary performer justice.

The British actor stressed that authenticity is his biggest priority. Rather than using stand ins or cutting around difficult choreography, Holland wants every major dance number to be performed personally and filmed in long takes, reflecting the style that made Astaire famous throughout his film career.

According to Holland, the goal is to complete the routines without doubles and capture the performances in single shots whenever possible, recreating the elegance and technical precision that became synonymous with Astaire's classic musicals.

The project carries particular significance because dancing was where Holland's own career first began. Before becoming a global film star through the Spider-Man franchise, he earned recognition in London's West End production of Billy Elliot the Musical, a role that demanded extensive ballet and contemporary dance training.

Despite that background, Holland admitted he stepped away from dancing after leaving the stage production. Looking back, he described quitting dance as one of his biggest regrets, making the Astaire project both professionally rewarding and personally emotional.

The preparation has also brought him back to familiar surroundings. Holland revealed that rehearsals have taken place at the same central London dance studio where he first trained for Billy Elliot the Musical, making the experience feel like a full circle moment in his career.

Holland reflected on how releasing The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day within weeks of one another feels like the conclusion of one chapter in his professional life. He said he is now searching for projects that genuinely challenge him and push him outside his comfort zone.

The actor described the Fred Astaire film as exactly the type of opportunity he has been seeking. While his recent blockbuster roles showcased his action skills and dramatic range, portraying one of cinema's greatest dancers demands an entirely different level of physical discipline and artistic precision.

Holland acknowledged that the responsibility is intimidating, but said those feelings are precisely why he wanted the role. He explained that challenging himself has become a priority as he moves into a new stage of his career.

Production on the long anticipated Fred Astaire biopic is expected to begin after Holland completes his current promotional schedule