Variety Reports on Hugh Jackman's Plans for 'HOUDINI', Carousel & More

Hugh Jackman, Tony Award-winner and star of the new blockbuster film, "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," is not taking a rest anytime soon according to Variety, the trade paper reports that Jackman, and his  Seed Productions partner John Palermo are planning a number of new projects for the multi-talented superstar. Among the many new projects is a sequel to "X-Men Origins: Wolverine," which "slashed" the domestic box office over the weekend winning the number one spot.

Long-in-the-works "Carousel" is also now a priority at Fox 2000 repprts Variety, after David Magee turned in a script that Jackman and Palermo said keeps the timeless spirit of the Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, but adds urgent modern relevance for a contemporary audience. Jackman is set to play Billy Bigelow. On Jackman's wishlist for the role of Julie Jordan is Anne Hathaway, who dueted with him in the Oscarcast opening number. Negotiations have not begun with the actress reports the trade paper.

And most important for BWW readers, Jackman, who won a Tony for "The Boy From Oz," hopes to return to the Broadway stage in early 2010 in the title role in "Houdini," with Jack O'Brien ("Hairspray") directing, Danny Elfman writing the music, and David Yazbek ("Dirty Rotten Scoundrels") writing lyrics. The book was first written by Kurt Andersen, but the producers are seeking a rewrite for the musical. Jackman and Palermo will produce with Scott Sanders and David Rockwell. To read all the Jackman news in the new Variety, click here.

In 2000, Hugh Jackman was cast as Wolverine in Bryan Singer's X-Men. Jackman later reprised his role in 2003's X2: X-Men United, and 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. Jackman starred as Leopold in the 2001 romantic comedy film Kate & Leopold, for which he was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor - Motion Picture Musical or Comedy. Jackman also starred in 2001 action/drama Swordfish, along with John Travolta, and Halle Berry.

Jackman sang the role of Billy Bigelow in Carousel in a special concert performance at Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, New York City in 2002. In 2004 he played the title role of vampire hunter Gabriel Van Helsing in Van Helsing. In 2004, Jackman won a Tony Award for his Broadway portrayal of Australian songwriter and performer Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz. He hosted the Tony Awards in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Jackman's other stage credits include "Carousel," "Oklahoma!" "Sunset Boulevard" and "Beauty and the Beast." Hugh Jackman was voted People's Sexiest Man of 2008.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/Retna Ltd.

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