The first trailer for the forthcoming biopic of Judy Garland has been released.
Renée Zellweger stars as the Hollywood legend in Judy and the first look at the BBC Films-financed project homes in on Garland’s sold-out shows at London nightclub Talk of the Town months before her accidental overdose in 1969.
Judy is based on a script written by Lovesick creator Tom Edge (The Crown) and will be directed by Tony nominee Rupert Goold. The film is expected to involve some of Garland’s best-known songs.
Rufus Sewell plays Garland’s ex-husband Sidney Luft while other cast members include Michael Gambon, Finn Wittrock and Wild Rose and Chernobyl star Jessie Buckley.
Last year, Liza Minnelli – Garland’s daughter – criticised reports that suggested she was in favour of the new film.
The actor denounced the project on Facebook, describing rumours that she was bonding with lead star Zellweger ahead of production as “100% fiction”.
Minnelli wrote: “I have never met nor spoken to Renée Zellweger... I don’t know how these stories get started, but I do not approve nor sanction the upcoming film about Judy Garland in any way.”
Zellweger starred in the 2002 film adaptation of Chicago as lead Roxie Hart, which won her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical, along with a Oscar nomination for Best Actress.
Judy will be released in cinemas on 4 October.
