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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 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.
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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.
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