Sam Amico
An Amy Winehouse biopic entitled Back to Black is filming in London, with British actress Maris Abela in the starring role.
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What we can tell you is behind-the-scenes photographs have revealed Abela to be a spitting image of the troubled bluesy-pop icon, who died from alcohol poisoning at the age of 27 in 2011. “Back to Black” is the name of a Winehouse song.
It was confirmed in early January that not only would Abela be playing the role of Winehouse, but that filming was about to commence. Since then, Winehouse fans are dying to know when the film will be released. Right now, though, it’s too soon to say. Many are predicting it will be early 2024 before hits theaters.
New Behind The Scene Photos
We also know that Eddie Marsan will play Winehouse’s father, Mitch, as the two have been seen shooting scenes in London’s Soho neighborhood. Meanwhile, Jack O’Connell has been cast in the role of Winehouse’s husband Blake Fielder-Civil.
Shooting for Back to Black began at Ronnie Scott’s, where Winehouse often performed early in her career, per ET Canada.
Several stills from the movie have already been released, with Abela even posting a message of her own on Instagram.
“‘And for London. This is for London. Cause Camden Town ain’t burnin down.’ … I love you, Amy,” Abela posted in the caption of a picture standing next to a mural of Winehouse.
Maria Abela on Instagram
Sam Taylor-Johnson, 55, will serve as director, and this isn’t her first foray into biopics. Her directorial debut, Nowhere Boy, came out in 2009 and was about John Lennon and The Beatles’ fame. She is perhaps most widely known for directing the 2015 romantic hit Fifty Shades of Grey.
Granted, there has been some backlash about the casting, with some Winehouse fans saying Abela looks nothing like the late singer. But their opinion is likely to change when they see the movie — and Winehouse’s real-life dad told TMZ that he thinks Abela is an excellent choice.
Shooting for the film is expected to last just eight weeks.
