A new biopic based on the life of Judy Garland has begun filming and a first look at actress Renée Zellweger in the title role has been revealed. Zellweger is best-known for playing Bridget Jones and has previous musical experience having starred in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago as lead Roxie Hart.

Co-starring Rufus Sewell, Jessie Buckley, Finn Wittrock and Michael Gambon, the film focusses on Garland during her final concert performances in London a year before her death of an accidental overdose at the age of 47.

 

Its official synopsis reads: “Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland arrives in Swinging London to perform in a sell-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians, and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through.”

Judy is a joint production between Pathé, BBC Films and Ingenious Media, and is directed by the renowned theatre director Rupert Goold.