Focus Features has released the Back to Black trailer, which previews the upcoming Amy Winehouse biopic directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson. The film will open in theaters on May 17, 2024.
Back to Black is the extraordinary story of Amy Winehouse’s early rise to fame from her early days in Camden through the making of her groundbreaking album, which catapulted Winehouse to global fame.
Told through Amy’s eyes and inspired by her deeply personal lyrics, the film explores and embraces the many layers of the iconic artist and the tumultuous love story at the center of one of the most legendary albums of all time.
Written by Matt Greenhalgh, the movie stars Marisa Abela (Industry) in the lead role alongside Jack O’Connell (Ferrari), Eddie Marsan (Fair Play), and Lesley Manville (Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris).
Alison Owen and Debra Hayward of Monumental Pictures are producing alongside Nicky Kentish-Barnes. Ron Halpern and Joe Naftalin executive produce on behalf of STUDIOCANAL along with Sam Taylor-Johnson and Anna Marsh.
The film was made with the full support of Universal Music Group, Sony Music Publishing, and The Amy Winehouse Estate.
Amy Winehouse is widely considered one of the greatest artists in recent history, selling more than 30 million records worldwide, and today generating more than 80 million streams per month.
Her acclaimed 2006 album Back to Black propelled her to global stardom, going on to win a (then) record-breaking five Grammy Awards, including Record Of The Year and Song of The Year for hit single “Rehab.”
“My connection to Amy began when I left college and was hanging out in the creatively diverse London borough of Camden. I got a job at the legendary KOKO CLUB, and I can still breathe every market stall, vintage shop, and street…,” said director Sam Taylor-Johnson previously.
“A few years later, Amy wrote her searingly honest songs whilst living in Camden. Like with me, it became part of her DNA. I first saw her perform at a talent show at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in Soho, and it was immediately obvious she wasn’t just ‘talent’… she was genius.
“As a filmmaker, you can’t really ask for more. I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realize Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema, accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music.
“I am fully aware of the responsibility; with my writing collaborator – Matt Greenhalgh – I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy.”
Mirko Parlevliet has been reporting on the entertainment industry since 1998 and founded Vital Thrills in 2018 to cover the latest news on streaming, movies, TV, and video games.