Amy Winehouse biopic FIRST LOOK: Marisa Abela transforms into tragic star for Back To Black

Marisa Abela has unveiled her transformation into Amy Winehouse in a striking first still from upcoming biopic, Back To Black.

The British actress, 26, was the spitting image of the tragic singer – who died from alcohol poisoning aged 27 in 2011 – as she sported her signature black beehive and tattoos.

Marisa also emulated the Rehab hitmaker as she sported her trademark flicked eyeliner and a mole above her lip, along with shimmering earrings.

First look: Marisa Abela has unveiled her transformation into Amy Winehouse in a striking first still from upcoming biopic, Back To Black

The still showed the star on-stage  singing in the new film – which will be directed by Sam Taylor Johnson.

Marisa also posted a heartfelt tribute to Amy as the still was released, writing on Instagram on Friday: ‘And for London. This is for London. Cause Camden Town ain’t burnin down”. I love you, Amy.’

Marisa is known for her role in BBC and HBO drama Industry and will appear in the Barbie movie, set for release in July 2023.

Spitting image: The British actress, 26, was the spitting image of the tragic singer (R in 2007) – who died from alcohol poisoning aged 27 in 2011

Sought after role: Marisa is known for her role in BBC and HBO drama Industry and will appear in the Barbie movie, set for release in July 2023 (pictured March 2022)

The film is expected to follow Winehouse’s life as a talented jazz singer in North London to her rise as a global superstar with her second album, 2006’s Back to Black, which included her smash hit single Rehab.

She became one of just five women at the time to win five Grammys in one night, including Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year.

The singer had struggles with alcohol and drug abuse throughout her career, passing away in 2011 at just 27 years of age from alcohol poisoning.

A24’s 2015 documentary Amy won the Oscar for Best Documentary, though this will be the first biopic to tackle her life, though other versions were in the works.

It was announced in 2015 that Noomi Rapace has signed on to star in a Winehouse biopic from Lotus Entertainment.

Superstar: The film is expected to follow her life as a talented jazz singer in North London to her rise as a global superstar with her second album, 2006’s Back to Black, which included her smash hit single Rehab (pictured 2007)

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Documentary: A24’s 2015 documentary Amy won the Oscar for Best Documentary, though this will be the first biopic to tackle her life, though other versions were in the works

Kristen Sheridan, the daughter of In America director Jim Sheridan, was set to both direct and write the screenplay, though it never moved forward.

Then it was announced in October 2018 that Winehouse’s family signed a deal with Monumental Pictures for a biopic.

Kinky Boots writer Geoff Deane was brought on to write the script, with Alison Owen and Debra Hayward producing.

Four years later, the project has moved to StudioCanal with Taylor-Johnson, though both Owen a Hayward are remaining as producers, along with Tracey Seaward.

The project is being made with the ‘full support’ of Winehouse’s estate, with the director to begin their search for the actress to play Winehouse in the coming weeks.

Taylor-Johnson stared her career as a music video director including Elton John’s I want Love and The Weeknd’s Earned It.

She made her feature film debut with 2015’s Fifty Shades of Grey, and went on to direct A Million Little Pieces and two episodes of Amazon’s Solos.

Director: Sam Taylor-Johnson will direct the biopic (pictured 2018)