That Hugh Jackman Pt Barnum Musical Is Still Happening

That Hugh Jackman PT Barnum Musical Is Still Happening

By Angie Han/Nov. 18, 2014 7:30 am EST

The live-action movie musical is now on track for a summer start. Michael Gracey is directing from a script by Bill Condon. Hit the jump for more on the Hugh Jackman PT Barnum movie.

At the same time, it’s no wonder the studio was hesitating. Original live-action musicals of the classic “sing your feelings” variety are a rarity in Hollywood right now. More commonly, we get adaptations of Broadway hits (Les Misérables, Jersey Boys) or movies that incorporate musical numbers because they’re about musicians (Inside Llewyn Davis, Pitch Perfect). But if you’re going to make one, getting Hugh Jackman to star seems like a great start.

The Greatest Showman on Earth follows the American huckster through his invention of the three-ring circus. The story will also focus on his infatuation with singer Jenny Lind, known as the “Swedish Nightingale.” Anne Hathaway was being eyed for that role way back when, but it’s unclear if that’s still the case.