Hugh Jackman May Join The Circus With P.T. Barnum Musical ‘Greatest Showman’

First Published: August 4, 2009 6:52 PM EDT Credit: Getty Images

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Caption Hugh Jackman attends the American Theatre Wing’s 2009 Spring Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on June 1, 2009 in New York CityHugh Jackman is turning into one of Hollywood’s biggest showmen.

Jackman may be following his song-and-dance triumph as host of the Academy Awards with a role as legendary showman P.T. Barnum in the musical tale “The Greatest Showman on Earth.”

The film about Barnum and his three-ring circus is in development at 20th Century Fox. It is being produced by Laurence Mark, who produced last February’s Oscar ceremony featuring Jackman as host.

A studio spokesman says the Barnum script is being written with Anne Hathaway in mind to co-star. Hathaway worked with Jackman on one of the Oscar show’s musical numbers.

Jackman is a Tony winner for the Broadway musical “The Boy From Oz.”

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