Whether you’re here for it or not, it’s official: the Amy Winehouse biopic, titled Back to Black, is happening and already has a release date and first look images. The movie adaptation of the late singer’s life – known for her creative genius and tumultuous journey with addiction, which she succumbed to in 2011, aged 27 – began shooting in January 2023, and was given the seal of approval by the Amy Winehouse estate, including her father, Mitch Winehouse.
After spending nearly five years in development (the project was announced in 2018), the film finally found a director, screenwriter and, perhaps most importantly, a lead star in the form of Industry’s Marisa Abela. But who else is involved? What part of Amy’s life will it chronicle? And when will audiences get to see it? Here’s everything you need to know about the Amy Winehouse biopic, Back to Black.
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Who is playing Amy Winehouse in her biopic?
After a lengthy audition process, British actor Marisa Abela was chosen to play Amy. The actor – known best for playing Yasmin in Industry – became the frontrunner to play the part last summer, according to Variety. There were a few creative decisions the team behind the film were keen to adhere to: for one, they wanted the actor who would play the role to be a relative newcomer, rather than a pop star (rumours that Lady Gaga was being optioned for the part once circulated). They were also keen for whoever would play the part to be of Jewish heritage, in keeping with Amy’s own life. Marisa – who is Maltese, Libyan, Russian and Polish – adheres to that rule. While she hasn’t yet sung in any of her previous work, Variety also reports that Marisa’s graduate profile from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art shares she has an alto vocal range (like Amy), meaning she could, technically, sing the part too. Oh, and before this film drops, she has another much awaited movie in the near pipeline: Greta Gerwig’s Barbie.
Who else is cast in Back to Black?
Right now, IMDB suggests that just Marisa is cast in as lead alongside the actor Ryan O’Doherty, who will play Chris Taylor, an ex-boyfriend of Amy’s who inspired her track “Stronger Than Me” on Frank. We imagine more actors have been cast since filming is starting soon; those names will be announced in due course.
Are there any set photos from Back to Black?
No set photos, but StudioCanal, who are producing the film, have released two sultry images of Marisa as Amy.
Who is directing and writing the Amy Winehouse biopic?
Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed Nowhere Boy and Fifty Shades of Grey, is taking on directorial duties for Back to Black. It’s been a passion project of hers for a while now, and her involvement in the story is personal: she and Amy were friends before Amy died. The script has been written by BAFTA nominee Matt Greenhalgh, who wrote the 2007 Ian Curtis biopic Control.
The team behind Back to Black’s wardrobe have a specific history in celebrity styling and design. PC Williams will be heading up the costume department on the film off the back of her work on HBO’s The Baby and Daniel Kaluuya’s The Kitchen (and has previously contributed styling to i-D). She’ll be assisted by Ray Woolridge. Oscar-nominee Daniel Phillips will be responsible for recreating Amy’s famed eyeliner and beehive, as the movie’s head of hair and make up.
What part of Amy Winehouse’s life will Back to Black cover?
Since the script is not publicly available, we’re not sure yet. But despite its working title, it’s likely that the film will cover more than just Amy’s life during the making of her second album. We know this because of the casting of Chris Taylor’s part, who was only present in her life during the making of Frank in 2003.
Will Amy Winehouse’s music be used in the Back to Black biopic?
Yes. Since the film has been approved by Amy’s estate, they have full licensing and rights to use her music in it. Whether or not Marisa will sing those songs or they will dub Amy’s voice over hers is yet to be seen.
When will Back to Black be released?
Back to Black is due to be released by Universal and Focus Features in the UK and Poland on 12 April 2024 and Germany, The Netherlands and Australia on 18 April 2024. The film will then be released in the US with a date soon to be announced.