The biopic, which will be based on the musician’s well-known record and song, will begin filming next week with the 26-year-old actress, who has previously appeared in the BBC Two series Industry and the Sky One thriller Cobra.
Abela can be seen in a photo from the production business Studio Canal UK sporting Winehouse’s earrings, hair, and makeup style. “With filming rolling starting next week, we’re happy to release this first look at rising star Marisa Abela as Amy,” studio Canal UK said in a statement.
One of music’s greatest artists, Amy Winehouse, comes to the big screen in Sam Taylor-Johnson’s Back to Black. With cameras rolling from next week, we’re thrilled to release this first look at rising star Marisa Abela as Amy. pic.twitter.com/owZGXwOWP3
Sam Taylor-Johnson, who directed Nowhere Boy and Fifty Shades of Grey, had previously been named as the movie’s director. According to the production company, the movie is about “the life and music of the legendary artist.”
When Abela was announced for the part on Friday, she posted a photo of herself next to an Amy Winehouse mural to Instagram along with the message, “I love you, Amy.”
Abela also added: “And for London. This is for London. Because Camden Town isn’t on fire.
The singer won record of the year, song of the year, and best female pop vocal performance at the Grammys that year for Rehab. She also won best new artist and best pop vocal album for Back To Black.
At the age of 27, Winehouse, one of the leading artists of her generation, passed away from alcohol poisoning at her Camden, North London, residence on July 23, 2011.
Marisa Abela
Along with her work with Mark Ronson on a cover of Valerie, she was renowned for her deep vocals and songs like Love Is A Losing Game and Tears Dry On Their Own.