Renee Zellweger looks completely unrecognisable in new role as Judy Garland

She's never been afraid to truly dive into a role.

And Renee Zellweger was nearly unrecognisable in character as famed actress Judy Garland, the Daily Mail reports. 

The 48-year-old star donned a short brunette wig to portray the Hollywood icon in the true story about her final concerts in London, nearly 30 years after Garland starred as Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz. 

A first-look image of Zellweger portraying Judy has been released, showing impeccable attention to detail for the coveted role. 

Most noticeably, her normally warm blonde hair was transformed into short brunette tresses and styled in a classic '60s bouffant.

The Bridget Jones actress will star alongside Harry Potter actor Sir Michael Gambon in the feature film, which is being directed by double Olivier Award-winner Rupert Goold.

War And Peace actress Jessie Buckley and American Horror Story actor Finn Wittrock will also appear.

Judy starred in classic films including The Wizard of Oz, A Star Is Born and Meet Me in St. Louis.

Judy Garland. Photo / Getty 

Not only was she a leading actress in many movies, Garland also lent her voice across hundreds of notable soundtracks. 

Judy is set in 1968 and tells the story of Garland arriving in London to perform in a sell-out run at The Talk of the Town nightclub, 30 years after her rise to fame in The Wizard Of Oz.

The film shows the charismatic yet fragile star’s battle with management while dealing with the struggle of spending her whole life in the spotlight and her yearning to be at home with her children.

Judy Garland. Photo / Getty 

It also focuses on her romance with musician Mickey Deans, who Garland married several months before her death in June 1969 aged 47.

Judy, a joint venture between Pathe, BBC Films and Ingenious Media, will include some of Garland’s best-loved tunes, including her signature song Over The Rainbow.

This article was first published on Daily Mail and is republished here with permission.