The 20th Century Fox film casts Jackman as P.T. Barnum, the legendary showman whose life was also explored in the Broadway musical Barnum. The film, according to the industry paper, will focus on Barnum's relationship with opera singer Jenny Lind; an actress has yet to be cast in that role.

Jenny Bicks ("Sex and the City") has penned the screenplay for the film. Jackman and John Palermo are producing with Laurence Mark.

Jackman, who was seen on screen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," earned a Tony Award for his work in the Broadway musical The Boy From Oz. He is also known for his film roles in the "X-Men" trilogy, "Someone Like You," "Swordfish," "Kate and Leopold," "Van Helsing," "The Fountain" and "Happy Feet" (in voice). His stage credits also include Trevor Nunn's staging of Oklahoma! at Britian's National Theatre and award-winning work in productions of Sunset Boulevard and Beauty and the Beast in his homeland. He will also be seen in the film version of Les Miserables.