Hugh Jackman Withdraws from Broadway-Bound HOUDINI Because of Time Commitment

Stage and screen star Hugh Jackman has long been slated to return to Broadway starring as America's greatest showman in Houdini. Now according to Variety, the Tony winner has withdrawn from the production, which is now aiming for a Broadway run in the 2015-16 theatre season.

He said in a statement: "I have greatly enjoyed the collaborative process on 'Houdini. Ultimately, though, I wasn't able to commit to the time this role will require. I have tremendous respect and admiration for the creative team and I wish everyone the best. I know they're well on their way to making something extraordinary."

Producer Scott Sanders added: "Hugh has been terrific to have on this part of our journey. We will continue to move forward with our remarkable creative team as they craft this ambitious new musical."

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Directed by three-time Tony Award winner Jack O'Brien, Houdini is presented by film and theatre producer Scott Sanders and David Rockwell. Mr. Rockwell will also design the sets for Houdini. Additional Houdini casting, creative team and design team to be announced at a later date.

Jackman was most recently seen in Prisoners alongside Jake Gyllenhaal. Other upcoming big screen projects include X-Men: Days of Future Past and The Greatest Showman on Earth. He recently starred in The Wolverine and the Oscar-nominated movie adaptation of Les Miserables. Jackman has appeared on Broadway in Hugh Jackman, Back on Broadway, A Steady Rain and The Boy From Oz -- for which he won the 2004 Tony Award -- as well as off-Broadway's Carousel. In 2012, Jackman was honored with a Tony Award Special Award for Extraordinary Contribution to the Theatre Community.