If there's one thing we're not used to seeing at the circus, it's song-and-dance routines (except, of course, if we're talking about the fantastic Cirque du Soleil), but that's exactly what Hugh Jackman just signed up for in a pretty weird-sounding project for 20th Century Fox. Titled The Greatest Showman on Earth, Jackman will play famed American showman P.T. Barnum in what's being billed as a "contemporary musical".
Jackman is no stranger when it comes to musicals, having won a Tony Award for The Boy From Oz, not to mention his fantastic song-and-dance routines at this past Academy Awards ceremony (where he hosted). The film will follow the life of Barnum, famous for creating the three-ring circus, which continues to entertain folks from around the world to this day. It will also touch upon Barnum's obsession with singer Jenny Lind, who producers hope to have Anne Hathaway play after writing the part with the actress in mind. Jackman and Hathaway also teamed up for the Oscar's opening dance number.
And speaking of the script, Jenny Bicks (Sex and the City) will write it, and the studio is in talks with British singer-songwriter Mika to write the music and lyrics. No word on director or release date yet, but just the thought of animals and freaks and Jackman set to music has me all giddy with excitement.
How about you? Will you be jumping through hoops to watch Jackman's circus musical?
