The science fiction film, written by Neill Blomkamp ("District 9", "Elysium") and set in South Africa, will follow an android police officer who is kidnapped by gangsters.
The cast also includes Dev Patel ("The Newsroom," "Slumdog Millionaire") as Jackson's rival.
Oscar nominee Jackman's film credits include "Prisoners," "The Wolverine," "Les Misérables" and "X-Men." He has performed on Broadway in The Boy From Oz, A Steady Rain and Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway.