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'Back to Black': Cast and character guide on who’s playing who in musical biography based on Amy Winehouse

'Back to Black' portrays both the triumphs and struggles of Amy Winehouse, showcasing her remarkable talent as well as the challenges she faced in her personal life
PUBLISHED MAY 14, 2024
From Marisa Abela to Leslie Manville, here are the stars who feature in 'Back to Black' (YouTube/@focusfeatures)
From Marisa Abela to Leslie Manville, here are the stars who feature in 'Back to Black' (YouTube/@focusfeatures)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Back to Black' is scheduled for release in theaters on May 17, 2024, aiming to captivate audiences with its portrayal of Amy Winehouse's life and music.

The movie serves as a biographical tribute to the late, soulful singer Winehouse, drawing its name from her iconic 2006 single and album. 

The movie will follow Winehouse's journey from a jazz musician in North London to her rapid ascent to fame with hits like 'Rehab' and 'Back to Black', showcasing her talent, passion, and the personal struggles that defined her career. 

The official synopsis of the movie reads, "The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time".

Ahead of its release, let's take a look at the cast and character guide of 'Back to Black'.

Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Marisa Abela (@marisaabela_)


 

Marisa Abela, a popular British actress known for her versatility and captivating performances, takes on the pivotal role of Amy Winehouse in 'Back to Black'.

Abela portrays the iconic singer's journey from a jazz musician in North London to her rise to fame and the personal struggles she faced along the way. 

Her performance is anticipated to be a standout in the film, offering audiences a fresh perspective on the life and legacy of the late singer.

Abela rose to prominence in the entertainment industry through standout performances in television and film, garnering critical acclaim and building a dedicated fan following. 

Some of her notable works include 'Industry', 'COBRA', 'Man in a Box', 'Barbie', and 'She Is Love'.

Eddie Marsan as Mitch Winehouse


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Eddie Marsan (@eddiemmarsan)


 

Eddie Marsan, an acclaimed British actor renowned for his remarkable versatility and compelling performances, takes on the role of Mitch Winehouse, Amy's father, in 'Back to Black'.

As Mitch, Marsan portrays the complexities of a father-daughter relationship, showcasing both the love and the challenges that come with it.

Marsan is known for his ability to inhabit a wide range of characters with depth and authenticity. Marsan rose to prominence with his role in the 2008 film 'Happy-Go-Lucky', where he received acclaim for his portrayal of Scott, a driving instructor. 

Some of his notable works include 'V for Vendetta', 'Mission: Impossible III', 'Sixty Six', 'Hancock', 'Sherlock Holmes', 'War Horse', and 'Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows'.

Jack O'Connell as Blake Fielder-Civil


 
 
 
 
 
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Jack O'Connell, a popular British actor celebrated for his powerful performances and versatility on screen, takes on the pivotal role of Blake Fielder-Civil, Amy's ex-husband, in 'Back to Black'. 

O'Connell rose to fame for his portrayal of James Cook in the television series 'Skins.' However, it was his breakout role in the critically acclaimed film 'Starred Up' that truly highlighted his acting prowess.

Some of his other notable works include 'This Is England', 'Eden Lake', 'Dive,' 'United', '300: Rise of an Empire,' 'Jungleland,' and the Netflix wild west miniseries 'Godless'.

Lesley Manville as Cynthia Winehouse 


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Lesley Manville Updates. (@manvilleupdates)


 

Lesley Manville, a popular British actress, plays Cynthia Winehouse, Amy's grandmother, in 'Back to Black'. 

Cynthia was also a popular singer, known for her soulful voice and heartfelt performances. She rose to fame with her hit songs and captivated audiences with her musical talent.

Throughout her career, Manville has showcased her exceptional talent and versatility as an actress, earning critical acclaim for her performances. She has portrayed a wide range of characters, from complex and nuanced roles to more light-hearted and comedic ones.

Manville has appeared in several notable films, including 'Grown-Ups', 'High Hopes', 'Secrets & Lies', 'Topsy-Turvy', 'All or Nothing', and 'Vera Drake'.

Juliet Cowan as Janis Collins-Winehouse


 
 
 
 
 
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Juliet Cowan, a Northern Irish television, film and stage actress, plays Janis Collins-Winehouse, Amy's mother, in 'Back to Black'. 

Cowan is a renowned actress known for her versatile performances across various mediums. Cowan's work has earned her critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, establishing her as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. 

Some of her notable works include 'The Sarah Jane Adventures', 'Skins', 'Fresh Meat', 'Am I Being Unreasonable?', 'Everything I Know About Love', and 'Falling Into Place'.

Sam Buchanan as Nick Shymansky


 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Sam Buchanan (@sambuchanan100)


 

Sam Buchanan, who is known for 'The Power' and 'Such Brave Girls', plays Nick Shymansky, Amy's manager, in 'Back to Black'.

In his role as a music manager, Nick is responsible for overseeing the careers of musical artists, helping them navigate the industry and achieve success in their careers.

Buchanan is an emerging actor whose talent and dedication have begun to garner attention in the entertainment industry. With a passion for storytelling and a natural charisma on screen, Buchanan has already made a mark with his performance in 'Such Brave Girls'.

Harley Bird as Juliette Ashby

Harley Bird set to play (X/@Harley_Bird_09)
Harley Bird set to play Juliette Ashby in 'Back to Black' (X/@Harley_Bird_09)

Harley Bird, a popular British actress, takes on the role of a British singer-songwriter, Juliette Ashby, in 'Back to Black'.

Bird is a famous actress known for her work in film, television, and theater. Bird served as the third and longest-running voice of Peppa Pig.

Some of her notable works include 'Hailey and Friends', 'How I Live Now', Goodbye', 'Doctor Who', and 'So Sammy'.

Pete Lee-Wilson as Perfume Paul

Pete Lee-Wilson set to play Perfume Paul in 'Back to Black' (@FilmmakersEurope)
Pete Lee-Wilson set to play Perfume Paul in 'Back to Black' (@FilmmakersEurope)

Pete Lee-Wilson, a British television and film actor, takes on the role of Perfume Paul in the film, 'Back to Black'.

Lee-Wilson's career began with a role in the television show 'Metal Mickey' in 1980s. He has since appeared in a variety of TV shows, including 'The Bill' and 'Spooks'. One of his notable roles was in the 2009 'Doctor Who' story 'The End of Time'. 

Some of his other notable works include 'Jemima Shore Investigates', 'C.A.T.S. Eyes', 'The Paradise Club', 'The Broker's Man', and 'M.I.T.: Murder Investigation Team'.

Thelma Ruby as Great Auntie Renee

Thelma Ruby to play (@thelmaruby)
Thelma Ruby to play Great Auntie Renee in 'Back to Black' (@thelmaruby)

Thelma Ruby, a popular and veteran British actress, brings her wealth of experience to the role of Great Auntie Renee in 'Back to Black'.

Ruby is known for her captivating performances on stage and screen, and her portrayal of Great Auntie Renee is no exception.

In 1958, Ruby appeared in Bernard Kops' play 'The Hamlet of Stepney Green' at the Lyric Theatre in London's Hammersmith. The production featured a cast that included Harold Lang, John Fraser, John Barrard, and George Selway.

In 1962, Ruby appeared in the British film 'Live Now, Pay Later', showcasing her acting prowess in a cinematic setting. In 2017, Ruby took on the role of Alice in the ITV sitcom 'Bad Move', demonstrating her versatility across different genres and mediums.

Spike Fearn as Tyler James


 
 
 
 
 
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Spike Fearn, a well-known British actor, portrays Tyler James, an English singer and songwriter, in 'Back to Black'.

James's debut single, 'Why Do I Do?', achieved chart success in the UK, and reached a peak position of number 25.

James was not only a friend to Amy but also a musical collaborator. Their friendship deepened as they both pursued careers in the music industry, with James supporting Amy through her rise to fame.

Ryan O'Doherty as Chris Taylor


 
 
 
 
 
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Ryan O'Doherty, a popular actor, writer and multi media artist, takes on the role of Chris Taylor, Amy's former partner about who she allegedly wrote her hit 'Stronger Than Me'.

O'Doherty is a renowned actor known for his captivating performances on stage and screen. O'Doherty is well-known for his role in 'Little Fantasies', where he showcased his acting prowess and garnered praise for his performance.

How to stream 'Back to Black'?

Marisa Abela in a still from 'Back to Black' (@deanrogers)
Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in a still from 'Back to Black' (FocusFeatures/@deanrogers)

'Back to Black' is set to premiere exclusively in theaters on May 17, promising an immersive cinematic experience for audiences.

The film's availability on streaming platforms will be announced in due course, ensuring that fans can enjoy it in the comfort of their own homes. Stay tuned for updates on where and how you can watch 'Back to Black' beyond its theatrical release.

'Back to Black' trailer



 

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