"His talents are abounding and seem to know no limits," said Paul. "It's exciting to write something knowing that every moment along the way, you're hearing it in your head as the voice of that character and how he's going to embody that song or that melody or that lyric."

The duo confirmed that the project, slated for release in 2017, was "still in development." The film stars Jackman as real-life circus impresario P.T. Barnum.

"[Jackman] is an incredibly giving actor and incredibly humble and hardworking," continued Paul. "We've done some workshops and some readings of the project, and he's the hardest-working guy in the room. He gives everybody else a run for their money, which is pretty amazing."

The duo were at the benefit event to thank Ben Platt, the star of their musical Dear Evan Hansen. "[He] makes us feel all kinds of things including lucky, inspired, old and more and more. He's an incredible young actor," said Paul. That musical arrives Off-Broadway at Second Stage Theatre in March 2016. 

According to a recent report by the Hollywood Reporter, Fox has pushed back the release of "The Greatest Showman on Earth" from Dec. 25, 2016, to Dec. 25, 2017. In addition to Pasek and Paul, the film is set to feature song contributions by Bonnie McKee, Brian Lapin and "Scissor Sisters" front man Jake Shears. Side Show and "Dreamgirls" director Bill Condon wrote the screenplay for the film that is being directed by Michael Gracey. See a picture of the composers with Jackman that he shared from a recording session for "The Greatest Showman on Earth."