Jackman may join the circus with Barnum musical

The Associated Press, Tuesday, August 4, 2009, 2:31pm (PDT)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Hugh Jackman is turning into one of Hollywood's biggest showmen.

Jackman may be following his song-and-dance triumph as host of the Academy Awards with a role as legendary showman P.T. Barnum in the musical tale "The Greatest Showman on Earth."

The film about Barnum and his three-ring circus is in development at 20th Century Fox. It is being produced by Laurence Mark, who produced last February's Oscar ceremony featuring Jackman as host.

A studio spokesman says the Barnum script is being written with Anne Hathaway in mind to co-star. Hathaway worked with Jackman on one of the Oscar show's musical numbers.

Jackman is a Tony winner for the Broadway musical "The Boy From Oz."