New photo of Marisa Abela as deceased singer revealed and release date confirmed

Excitement is growing surrounding the Amy Winehouse biopic Back to Black after the studio behind the film unveiled a second image along with the release date.

Marisa Abela, 26, who has starred in the BBC Two series Industry and the Sky One drama Cobra, portrays the legendary British singer in the film, which will be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on April 12, 2024.

To celebrate the news, the film’s production company, Studio Canal, released a new photo of Abela as Winehouse, wearing the late artist’s signature curved eyeliner, large hoop earrings and a lip piercing.

Abela is joined in the film by BAFTA-winning actor Jack O’Connell and Eddie Marsan, as well as Golden Globe and Oscar nominee Lesley Manville.

Directed by Sam Taylor-Johnson of Nowhere Boy and Fifty Shades of Grey, the production company said the film will “focus on Amy’s extraordinary genius, creativity and honesty that have permeated everything she has done.”

“A journey that took her from the madness and colour of ’90s Camden High Street to global admiration – and back again. Back to Black breaks through the mirror of celebrity to observe this journey from behind the mirror, to see what Amy saw, to feel what she felt.”

Winehouse, one of the defining talents of her generation, died of alcohol poisoning at her home in Camden, north London, on July 23, 2011 at the age of 27.

She was known for her soulful voice and songs such as “Love Is A Losing Game” and “Tears Dry On Their Own”, as well as her collaboration with Mark Ronson on a cover of “Valerie”.

Previously, her former bandleader had defended the biopic about the singer after fans feared the film could exploit her memory.

Dale Davis, who worked with Winehouse throughout her career and provides precision and music for the film, told The Standard that he believes the film will be a tribute. He told us in March, “I wish the best for Amy and her legacy,” adding that it was “surreal” to see reenactments of her old performances.

He said: “It was clear from the start that a film about Amy would come out… you will always be criticized for everything you do.”

Davis said it was “not an easy task” for Abela to sing and speak like Winehouse, but she is “getting better and better”.

“She seems like a great actress when you watch her take after take,” he said of his time on set.