Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black receives release date

Back to Black, an upcoming biopic about iconic British singer-songwriter Amy Winehouse, has finally received an official release date, as Focus Features release first-look preview images of the film.

Slated to land in Irish cinemas on April 12th 2024, the film is set to be directed by 50 Shades of Grey filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson, with Winehouse to be played by Industry star Marisa Abela. The film will chart Winehouse's whirlwind years living in London, and her subsequent rise to both musical and cultural notoriety, from the release of her iconic debut Frank in 2003 to her 2006 follow-up Back to Black.

Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse, in a newly released image from Back to Black. Photo: Instagram/backtoblackfilm

A newly released still from the film shows a sombre looking Marisa Abela bearing an uncanny resemblance to the late singer, as she dons Winehouse's trademark beehive, lip piercing and winged eyeliner. Another shot, released earlier this year, shows Winehouse (Marisa Abela) and former-husband Blake Fielder Civil (Jack O' Connell) running hand-in-hand down the cobbled streets of Camden Town.

Marisa Abel as Amy Winehouse and Jack O' Connell as Blake Fielder Civil in stills from Back to Black. Photo: Instagram/backtoblackfilm

Focusing on "Amy's extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that infused everything she did, journeying from Camden High Street in the 1990s to her global fame and many accolades," an early plot synopsis reads; the film, "crashes through the looking glass of celebrity to watch this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt..."

Winehouse tragically passed in 2011, aged 27, having struggled with mental illness and substance abuse throughout her life.

Marisa Abela as Amy Winehouse in Back to Black. Photo: backtoblackfilm

Eddie Marsan will portray Winehouse's father Mitch, whilst Jack O' Connell will play Blake Fielder Civil; with Lesley Manville, Ansu Kabia, Bronson Webb, and Harley Bird, amongst others, also expected to star in the film.

Johnson's previous directorial efforts include 2009's Nowhere Boy, a biopic about a young John Lennon, written by Matt Greenhalgh — who will also write Back to Black. The film also has the backing of The Amy Winehouse Estate, as well as Universal Music Group and Sony Music Publishing, meaning the biopic will feature many of Winehouse's hit songs.

Back to Black will release in Irish cinemas on April 12th, 2024.