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'Barbie' star Marisa Abela tipped to play Amy Winehouse in upcoming biopic

Marisa Abela might star in the Amy Winehouse biopic. (Getty/3DD Productions)
Marisa Abela might star in the Amy Winehouse biopic. (Getty/3DD Productions)

Rising star Marisa Abela is reportedly being tipped to play late singer Amy Winehouse in a biopic.

Entitled Back To Black, the film will apparently look at the late 'Rehab' singer's life and music career.

So far bosses have not cast anyone to play Winehouse but according to Variety, Abela - who is in the new Barbie movie alongside Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling - is a strong contender.

Read more: Amy Winehouse's mum felt 'disbelief' when she was told star had died

It's thought that other actors are also being considered right now.

However, 25-year-old Abela, whose TV credits include the BBC and HBO series Industry and drama COBRA, is apparently in talks about the role.

Amy Winehouse died in 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)
Amy Winehouse died in 2011. (AP Photo/Joel Ryan, File)

It was reported earlier this year that the film was in the pipeline, with filmmaker Sam Taylor-Johnson set to direct.

She posted a message on Instagram when the news was revealed, with a photo of a news story about her involvement in the project.

"This is a dream movie to helm," she wrote.

"I'm ready, let's go…#amywinehouse #backtoblack," added the director, who has been at the helm of movies such as Nowhere Boy and A Million Little Pieces.

Marisa Abela is thought to be a frontrunner to play the singer. (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Longchamp)
Marisa Abela is thought to be a frontrunner to play the singer. (Dave Benett/Getty Images for Longchamp)

Winehouse was found dead in July 2011 aged 27, and an inquest later found that she had died of alcohol poisoning.

Full details of the film have not been released yet but it is expected to look at the 'Valerie' singer's life and her rise to fame.

The late singer's dad, Mitch Winehouse, is said to be in full support of Back To Black.

Amy Winehouse arrives with her father Mitch (left) at City of Westminster Magistrates Court in London for her court appearance.
Amy Winehouse's dad Mitch is said to support the project. (PA)

The film is being named after both Winehouse's single and album.

Read more: Previously unheard demo from 17-year-old Amy Winehouse revealed

She unveiled the album in 2006 and in 2007 the single went to number eight in the UK chart.

Watch: Sam Taylor-Johnson to direct Amy Winehouse biopic