Back to Black star Jack O'Connell says Amy Winehouse's dad Mitch wanted to floor him when he got into character as her former husband Blake Fielder-Civil.
The up-coming biopic is released later this week and has drawn outrage from friends of the iconic singer, who have trashed the production for 'ghoulish' depictions of the star's drug addiction. They are also furious footage of her funeral will be used following her death 13 years ago. Amy is portrayed by Marisa Abela, who brings to life her early years and her rise to global fame.
Critics also say it was too soon to make the movie, but defending producers, 33-year-old Jack asked what an 'acceptable timescale' would be and says everyone involved were determined to do Amy and her memory justice. Back To Black is released on April 12 with the premier taking place in London tonight.
Amy Winehouse, her father Mitch and mother Janis two years before the star's death (Getty Images)
Jack O'Connell takes on the role of her ex Blake Fielder-Civil (GC images)"Put it like this, if we were trying to portray her in any form of negative light, then that might be a valid point and I can understand one or two people pre-empting that," he told The Sunday Times. "But if you talk to Sam [Taylor-Johnson, director] we're not even calling this a biopic, it's a celebration."
The former Skins star went onto say that Amy's dad Mitch wanted to "deck him" during set visits after seeing him dressed as Blake, and said her ex didn't really want the film to go ahead. They met a number of times as he prepared for the role and Jack added: "'He wasn't overly keen, obviously it's going into a phase of his life that is very personal and he harbours a mixed bag of emotions"
Actress, 26, cast to play Amy Winehouse in late singer’s biopic Back To Black
Amy's friends aren't all behind the movie, but her loved ones have backed the project, with the late star's estate previously releasing a statement saying: "We are thrilled that Studiocanal, Focus Features and Monumental are making this movie celebrating our daughter Amy’s extraordinary music legacy and showcasing her talent in the way that it deserves."
Marisa Abela stars as Amy but the movie has been slammed by the music legend's pals (StudiocanalUK)The movie is directed and executive produced by Sam Taylor-Johnson, best known for her work on the John Lennon biopic Nowhere Boy - she says she is 'excited and humbled' to be entrusted with such an important piece of cinema. Back to Black director Sam - who is married to actor Aaron Taylor-Johnson - said she was instantly sold by the project.
"I feel excited and humbled to have this opportunity to realise Amy’s beautifully unique and tragic story to cinema accompanied by the most important part of her legacy – her music." The 50 Shades of Grey director added: "I am fully aware of the responsibility, with my writing collaborator – Matt Greenhalgh – I will create a movie that we will all love and cherish forever. Just like we do Amy."
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Despite passing away at the age of just 27, Amy managed to cement her status as legendary singer-songwriter during her short life - winning multiple awards and millions of loyal fans across the world thanks to her unique voice, personality and heartbreaking music.
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