Jackman Film Role Rumors

[jo]

Sorry -- I did not put in a SPOILER ALERT for these press conference discussions!

Here's the video clip for the press conference -- it is live-streamed ( it took me so long and so many times to be able to watch it continously, in case you have a similar experience) and Hugh, Denis V, Melissa L and producer Kira Davis arrive only at approx 15:00 or thereabouts ( I could be wrong on the exact time).

EDIT: The clip was originally for 42 min but the attached link shows only 27 minutes - they must edited the 15 min or so waiting time until Hugh et al arrived.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffsUbFqD33U

*Hugh is such a great interviewee! He is insightful, funny, and charming. He did talk about his parents meeting for the first time at Interlaken ( saying that his Dad Chris was a skiing instructor who swept away his 19-year old mother with his dance prowess - romantic story )... When someone asked him what Swiss qualities ( which include promptness, chocolate-loving, and being too rich) he possessed - he admitted to all but insisted that he and his family are not materialistic at all! Of course, Deb and his family always get mentioned.

SPOILER: Click to show

*One media person asked if Hugh felt Keller was a hero or a monster. He gave an answer that reflected the ambiguity of the character, esp when he turns vigilante after the first 10 minutes or so. But what bothered me ( and also Denis because he said that maybe she shouldn't say that) is Melissa Leo adding that "the characters of Keller and Holly were not too far apart"...After Denis made his comments, he whispered across to Melissa ( Hugh was seated between them) with something. I know that Melissa sometimes has a reputation for straight talking, but that didn't seem like a correct assessment of the two characters.

Holly Jones was seeking revenge on God ( for taking her child away via cancer) and doing it by killing children ( the motivation is completely unhinged, if not downright evil! Keller fell into a criminal act and moral wrongdoing, not out of revenge, but to be able to find his daughter right away, fearing the national statistics on the chances of a kidnapped child surviving after being abducted.

I wonder if she meant that both acts were provoked by the love for their children?? Maybe she should have expounded on that, as it did not seem to go well with Denis ( I think on the matter of how the public perception will be).

Jo

[jo]

I thought it was funny when Hugh acted quite surprised that the media person knew all about Chappie, Greatest Showman on Earth, Unbound Captives, and Houdini! Doesn't he know how many people keep tabs on his confirmed, rumored, and wished-for projects


Jo

[klenotka]

Jo, how about a little *spoiler warning* next time ? I think to post a video and just say "spoilers for Prisoners" would have been enough

I think it would be cool to just say *what* FILM RUMORS were in that video and warn before PRISONERS SPOILERS in it I think that to reveal the twist of Prisoners in "Film Role Rumors" is a little unexpected.... I appreciate your enthusiasm and I like reading what you write here but really, some of us did not read the script and have not seen the movie yet... Of course, it was inconsiderate of them to say that at the press conference but when I go to "Film rumors" (when I have been avoiding reviews and spoiler threads) I don´t expect a discussion about a movie which is not a rumor anymore and many people still have not seen it

[jo]

SORRY for not putting a SPOILER ALERT for the press conference discussions.

I only wanted to show how Hugh confirmed his future plans, via the press conference, which of course was centered on PRISONERS because it was the movie being screened at the festival. Unfortunately, the film rumors discussions in the conference came only towards the end. Also, as this was going to be a media discussion on the movie which was part of the festival screenings, the media persons could ask some questions that delve directly into the movie. I guess the key was the presence of Melissa Leo ( who was a judge at the festival).

It is no excuse but I guess seeing all the discussions on IMDB - on the PRISONERS page and the Movie Awards Page with all the elaborate and detailed discussions on the movie and all kinds of theory and motivations on the characters has made me forget that some people may not want to read them.

I have marked the previous thread with SPOILER ALERTS.

Again, I am sorry if this has spoiled your future enjoyment of the film.


Jo

[jo]

A fresh rumor --

blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/hugh-jackman-eyes-spy-flick-section-6-angelina-jolie-pads-out-unbroken-cast-more-20131014

Hugh Jackman Eyes Spy Flick 'Section 6,' Angelina Jolie Pads Out 'Unbroken' Cast & More

News.
by Kevin Jagernauth
October 14, 2013 5:41 PM


For up-and-coming screenwriter Aaron Berg his first screenplay sale couldn't have gone any better. His script, titled "Section 6," sparked a bidding war, with Universal nabbing the rights and paying a cool $1.2 million for his thriller that "follows the World War I-era formation of British intelligence agency MI6 and its first director, Sir George Mansfield Cummings, who served as the inspiration for M in the 'James Bond' series." With a logline like that, it's no wonder that Hugh Jackman has taken a look at the material, while Justin Lin and Brett Ratner have also shown an interest as directors. No one is formally attached yet, but it's safe to say this one is going to get some major talent. [The Wrap]

Here's the original account from THE WRAP --

www.thewrap.com/universal-wins-heated-bidding-war-spy-spec-script-section-6/

Universal Wins Heated $1.2 Million Bidding War for Spy Spec Script ‘Section 6′

Deal Central | By Jeff Sneider on October 12, 2013 @ 9:40 am Follow @theinsneider

Hugh Jackman is among the A-list actors who have expressed interest in Aaron Berg’s historical thriller

Universal Pictures has won a spirited auction for Aaron Berg’s spec script “Section 6,” which created a frenzy amongst Hollywood executives this week, an individual familiar with the project told TheWrap.

It’s the first sale for Berg, an up-and-coming writer who wanted a million dollar payday and got his wish, with Universal paying $1.2 million in a deal that dated back to the good old days when spec scripts routinely sold for seven figures.

The bidding came down to Sony and Universal, which offered progress-to-production language in its offer, separating itself from the rest of the herd.

Hugh Jackman is among the A-list actors who read the script and responded to the material, though he is not attached to star at this time. Several top filmmakers have also expressed interest in the material, including Justin Lin and Brett Ratner.

Lawrence Grey, who developed the script with Berg, will produce with Marc Platt and Adam Siegel. Caliber Media’s Adam Marshall, who reps Berg along with Verve, is also expected to be involved in a producing capacity, having introduced his client to Grey.


The historical spy thriller follows the World War I-era formation of British intelligence agency MI6 and its first director, Sir George Mansfield Cummings, who served as the inspiration for M in the “James Bond” series.

Universal’s Jeff Kirchenbaum was instrumental in making the deal for “Section 6.”

I have always wanted to see Hugh play a Brit character in a spy movie ( too bad James Bond is momentarily taken ) - I hope this is more than just a promising rumor. He needs to do a dramatic action movie and with an excellent script, this could be another triumph for him.

Jo

[jo]

Is Hugh Jackman now a true A-lister -- was the script offered to him first ( or offered to him first, simultaneously with others)? It seems the script was awarded to winner Universal only last Friday...and if the rumors are true, Hugh may have already been talked to about it?

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/universals-12-million-bid-wins-648051

There is very strong buzz about the spec script -- some compare it to the buzz created when the PRISONERS script made a splash when it was bidded for a million dollars.

www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hot-script-section-6-creates-647341


Jo

[jo]

No other actor has been mentioned so far - and quite a few film sites think this might be right along Hugh's alley. An action movie, without being Wolverine-related, and with excellent dramatic possibilities!

www.cinemablend.com/new/Hugh-Jackman-Interested-Unversal-Historical-Spy-Thriller-Section-6-39838.html

www.joblo.com/movie-news/hugh-jackman-interested-in-starring-in-spy-drama-section-6-as-the-man-who-inspired-james-bonds-boss?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter


I wonder when Hugh got access to it? The script bidding was only late last week and awarded to Universal only last Friday. I wonder if it was Universal which has already started the feelers?

If Hugh does get attached to the film -- time to practice the British accent (shades of Kate and Leopold/The Prestige)...After all, he is also part British

I hope the script eventually finds itself on the internet - just like PRISONERS in the early days.


Jo

[jo]

According to this news item from EW.com, the attached director for GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH Michael Gracey will start filming another biopic ( Elton John) in the fall of 2014.

insidemovies.ew.com/2013/10/23/tom-hardy-elton-john-rocketman/

With an original screenplay written by Academy Award nominee Lee Hall (War Horse), Rocketman is scheduled to start shooting in fall 2014.

The official press release is inside this scoop from Deadline Hollywood - please scroll down --

www.deadline.com/2013/10/toldja-tom-hardy-to-play-elton-john-in-rocketman/#more-618591



Once a director starts filming a movie, he will also be tied up with it through post-production.

Hmm...when will he have time to film GREATEST SHOWMAN? If his availability is only later in 2015 ( assuming he will complete post for the Elton John project only then), it might run into conflict with the staging of HOUDINI.

Unless another director has been named to helm GREATEST SHOWMAN? Or the movie ( Greatest Showman) will start filming in mid-to-late winter of 2014 and the director can complete post-production before he tackles the ELTON JOHN project?


Jo

[jo]

Ironic that HOUDINI might possibly be holding up some key project prospects? I guess we will know after the workshops how the stage musical will be positioned schedule-wise.

Jo

[jo]

Can you imagine Hugh as the Latin lover Adolpho/Aldolpho in the film adaptation of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE


movies.yahoo.com/blogs/movie-talk/hugh-jackman-boring-musical-offer-232124265.html?soc_src=mediacontentsharebuttons

Movie Talk

Hugh Jackman on How He’s ‘Boring’ and His New Musical Offer

By Thelma Adams9 hours agoMovie Talk


Want to get on Hugh Jackman’s good side? Appreciate that while the 45-year-old Australian's role as a desperate father who brutalizes his missing daughter’s alleged kidnapper (Paul Dano) in "Prisoners" is getting a lot of awards buzz, it's not that much of a departure from his popular superhero, Wolverine.

"A lot of people said I didn’t play a character like Keller Dover before but I think I did a similar role," Jackman, who described himself as even-tempered, even boring on the phone, explained to Yahoo Movies when we mentioned that we thought his portrayal of Wolverine was also intensely dramatic. "Director James Mangold was so on me every day with 'The Wolverine.' It was so interior. It’s easier to be flashier or quick, but Wolverine is masking a lot of hidden pain. Thanks for noticing. A lot of people don’t. A lot of characters I play are very different from me."

And sometimes those characters sing. Jackman admits to still regretting turning down "Chicago" and spills the beans on a new musical he's been offered -- a screen adaptation of the Tony award-winning "The Drowsy Chaperone" -- in our exclusive interview.

Yahoo Movies:
Who is Keller in "Prisoners" – and how close is he to you personally?
Hugh Jackman: We’re quite different in many, many ways. I can totally understand almost anything that someone does in that situation. The movie opens with a normal Thanksgiving setting and then you watch four people diverge wildly when the unthinkable happens. I have a soft spot for people like Keller: playing them and in life. I think life for this father and husband is a struggle. He’s desperate to maintain control and power over his life. At the beginning, we see the best version of him -- and then we watch him unravel. Life does come easier to me, socially, whereas my character has a lack of faith and trust in anyone or any institution. His father committed suicide. He battled alcohol. I get the picture of a man who’s an everyman -- but he’s not looking for a pat on the back.

Q: In contrast, then, your life is nowhere near as catastrophic – but boring?
HJ: I’m an even-tempered boring person. I’m very measured. I was by no means a Goody two-shoes but I very rarely got in trouble. I was always the one that said, "I’m done." In my early twenties I always had the natural brakes that others lacked. I’m often attracted to characters that are off the wall because they are so different from me.


Q: Your last three characters – Dover, Wolverine and Jean Valjean in "Les Miserables" – all struggle to hold themselves to a higher standard in extreme circumstances.
HJ: I'm really attracted to these stories of "ordinary" people in "extraordinary" circumstances. My character in "Les Miserables" is 100 percent that kind of man. For "Prisoners," I read so many stories about parents and families in this same situation, where people literally go mad. What is the breaking point? It's foolish to think there isn't a breaking point.

Q: In speaking recently to Robert Redford about his solo sailor in "All is Lost," he said that as an actor he was drawn to the same thing: What is a character's breaking point and why do some endure beyond it?
HJ: I just saw that movie. Robert Redford was so good and so restrained. I totally went along for the ride. It’s fascinating. I find the power of the mind is one of the great mysteries of life. It is the "master" more than anything. Nothing gets more in the way. The mind can be a terrible master and an incredible servant. How do you get that balance?


Q: If you weren’t an actor, what would be your profession?
HJ: I often joke I could be an emcee. My wife calls me Senator Jackman. But I would be a frustrated politician because I would hate the tough bits of politics. Kissing babies, fine!

Q: What was your biggest career faux pas?
HJ: Turning down "Chicago" was a bad career choice. I thought I was too young to play the part. When I saw the film I thought, 'Why didn’t I do makeup?' I watched the movie with sweaty palms all the way. Gere was brilliant. My wife said to take the role but I had the idea that I was a 31-year-old guy and nobody would take me seriously when I said "I’ve seen it all, kid."

Q: Did you get over that idea by the time you played Jean Valjean since he ages decades over the course of "Les Miserables?"
HJ: When Jean Valjean came along I wasn't going to make the same mistake twice. I said, "I don't care. Make-up!"

Q: Following last year's "Les Miserables," there are no big musicals at the movies this holiday season. Are there any musicals on your horizon?
HJ: I’m doing workshops right now on a new musical. I’m loving it, how difficult it is. "Houdini" that’s what I’m working on right now. And a movie called "Barnum" that has been on back burner for three years. All of a sudden the music came in and there’s a lot of momentum. It’s nice to do a musical where not everybody dies.

Q: My favorite contemporary musical is "The Drowsy Chaperone" – it won a Tony and nobody dies. They just dance, dance, dance!
HJ : What a coincidence! The script just hit my desk, with Geoffrey Rush attached.

Q: Rush is the moving force behind bringing the musical to the screen. He's on board for the narrator, the Man in Chair, a part he played onstage in Australia. What role did they offer you?
HJ: Adolpho.

Q: He’s the Latin lover. He has one of the best, silliest songs and the cheesiest Spanish accent. Now that would be another character that is very different from you – and a universe away from Wolverine.
HJ: And Geoffrey Rush is far too much fun.

Q" Recently, you told David Letterman that you’re in the doghouse with your wife because you’ve been so busy. It seems like you’re still juggling multiple projects. Have you crawled out of the doghouse yet?
HJ: I’m definitely two front legs and head out. She wrote a huge upper case "NO" and stuck it on my computer. It's NO-vember and I’ll honor that line. I think.

I saw THE DROWSY CHAPERONE (although I think I was not at full attention because Mary Tyler Moore was seated in front of me, to my left...Adolpho/Aldolpho is just one of the zany characters - if Hugh does that, it is not the lead role, but one of the funny featured roles. That's okay if he is going to do it between non-musical projects. But if he has HOUDINI and GREATEST SHOWMAN ON EARTH, doing another musical alongside those two musicals may lead to some typcasting


Jo

[mamaleh]

Jo, Hugh could have so much fun with that silly but scene-stealing character that Danny Burstein played to big laughs on Broadway. It's so against type for him --a cheesy-accented self-appointed Great Seducer who's downright ridiculous--that I could see a Supporting Actor nomination. Aldolpho has only one big number, but it makes an impression. I really hope Hugh does the role.

Ellen.

[jo]

Ellen,

If this is going to be an all-Aussie movie musical, with Geoffrey Rush at the head of the line, I bet Hugh will find it hard put to say NO.

I was trying to find a clip of I AM ADOLPHO/ALDOLPHO, but only found one of a performance ( not in costume, and therefore loses some of the comic fun) at Bryant Park.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhcnWA09TU8

There are quite a few stagings but nothing is as funny as the Broadway portrayal -- there are some clips on YouTube of some of these performances.


For those who are not familiar with the musical, here's the TONY number of SHOWOFF, with Sutton Foster "not' showing off - LOL! Bob Martin as the Man in Chair introduces the musical ( as part of the musical).

www.youtube.com/watch?v=FepfSfDHa48

Here's a report from Aussie media on the film adaptation --

aussietheatre.com.au/news/geoffrey-rush-set-drowsy-chaperone-movie-adaptation

At this point, Hugh's probably getting itchy feet for a stage musical, even if it is only a film adaptation


Jo

[jo]

The film, which Geoffrey Rush is producing and starring in, is supposed to start filming in 2014. Will he opt for an all-Aussie cast?

www.broadwayworld.com/article/THE-DROWSY-CHAPERONE-Starring-Geoffrey-Rush-Set-To-Film-In-2014-20130827


Who can play the role which Sutton Foster was nominated for an award?

Or the role of the "Drowsy Chaperone" played by Beth Leavel ( also a Tony nominee)?

Or the other male roles?

-- assuming he is aiming for an Aussie cast?


Jo

[chessie]

Hugh is just perfect for the role of Adolpho; I'd love to see him do this. Hopefully he'll be able to squeeze it into his hectic schedule. He's a terrific comedic actor, and we don't get to see that side of him nearly enough.

Carol

[jo]

I found this other clip from the Bryant Park performance - which is even funnier, with Beth Leavel ( the drowsy chaperone herself) --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI8QxYicdAg

Someone on ATC suggested Antonio Banderas as a more appropriate casting as he is Latin. Hmmm... I think, as proven by the casting Danny Burstein, that casting against type will actually lend a more comedic touch. Not only that, if the producer is looking for box office appeal, I doubt that, at this point, that Antonio will bring more fans to the cinema than Hugh

This reminds me of the triumphant casting of Michael Ball, surely a casting against type, in the role of the Italian wicked Count Fosco in The Woman in White. No one could be more British than Michael Ball ...And he actually outshone Michael Crawford, the original Count Fosco in London.


Jo

[Jamie]

Nov 7, 2013 9:53:22 GMT -5 jo said:

I found this other clip from the Bryant Park performance - which is even funnier, with Beth Leavel ( the drowsy chaperone herself) --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI8QxYicdAg

Someone on ATC suggested Antonio Banderas as a more appropriate casting as he is Latin. Hmmm... I think, as proven by the casting Danny Burstein, that casting against type will actually lend a more comedic touch. Not only that, if the producer is looking for box office appeal, I doubt that, at this point, that Antonio will bring more fans to the cinema than Hugh

This reminds me of the triumphant casting of Michael Ball, surely a casting against type, in the role of the Italian wicked Count Fosco in The Woman in White. No one could be more British than Michael Ball ...And he actually outshone Michael Crawford, the original Count Fosco in London.


Jo

Still remember how disappointed I was that DDL was cast in Nine instead of Banderas who had actually done the role on Broadway. Still you are right that Hugh would be a bigger box office draw than Antonio plus the affiliation with Rush would be another check mark for the Australian acting troupe.

[jo]

I remember reading somewhere then that DDL was cast as Guido because he once worked in Florence or somewhere in Tuscany as a craftsman ( shoemaker) and spoke fluent Italian. Nobody debunked that story, so presumably it was true, as DDL is known to take a long time off from filmmaking .

I did see Banderas in NINE on Broadway -- he was okay but his Spanish accent was too thick to really give a performance that was distinctly Italian. He lost the TONY to Harvey Feirstein (as Edna in Hairspray). But more importantly, I have never thought that NINE would make a good movie musical. I thought it was too theatrical and suited the stage a lot better. It was basically the musings of a man who was in a middle age crisis - although it was based on Fellini's classic movie " 8 1/2".

Some people have expressed similar reservations about THE DROWSY CHAPERONE -- it might be excellent entertainment for the stage...but how will it translate on film? It is also about the musings of a middleaged theatre fanatic --but in this case his memories are awakened about his favorite show ...and how the scenes come alive in his apartment as he listens to the score. He is called Man in Chair and he does not have a singing part at all, if I remember right.

We'll see if Hugh accepts the part. I wonder if he is also being brought in to secure full financing for the movie?

Jo

[jo]

If you have seen many performances in THE BOY FROM OZ ( on Broadway and maybe even more so in Australia), there is no doubting that Hugh can perform buffonish or silly or completely out of character. And these fourth wall breaches were completely sponstaneous, seeing that he never knew who he might pick or the circumstances he might be landed with when he did the Bicoastal scenes. The closing show with Matt Damon and Barbara Walters was one such instance, although of course that one was more rich in sexual connotations. But the audience loved it and knew that is one side of Hugh that is not seen in film roles.

Also, if Cameron Mackintosh had supposedly approached him for the role of The Engineer ( who is Eurasian) in a possible Miss Saigon film adaptation -- and even if that was a no-go as far as Hugh was concerned -- that is one role that is even less suitable to the perceived Jackman film or stage persona.

My only reservation is neither talent nor suitability ... but whether accepting another musical role might completely typecast him if it comes in alongside Houdini and Greatest Showman. Although of course there is another Wolverine role looming

Jo

[jo]

Not Latin enough



I bet he can do a mean Tango or samba ( hey, I Go To Rio)

www.youtube.com/watch?v=nA0atWYr6f8


Jo

[jo]

Another role in negotiations - a baddie, this time!


variety.com/2013/film/news/hugh-jackman-blackbeard-warner-bros-pan-1200970362/#

Hugh Jackman is in negotiations to play the villainous pirate Blackbeard in Warner Bros.’ forthcoming Peter Pan origin film “Pan.”

Joe Wright is directing the adventure tale from a script by Jason Fuchs.

WB had gone to Javier Bardem for the role but the actor passed and the studio pursued Jackman shortly after that.

While the Australian actor isn’t known for playing villains, Jackman has shown the ability to take on the darker roles. His recent perf in WB’s “Prisoners” got high praise from critics and though he’s not the bad guy in the film, the part is much edgier than his previous roles, even that of the anti-hero Wolverine in the “X-Men” movies.

Jackman had been in discussions for a handful of films before committing to “Pan” including the antagonist in Warner Bros. “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” remake.

The origin story revolves around an orphan who is taken to the magical world of Neverland where he becomes a hero to the natives and leads a revolt against the evil pirates.

The idea is that Blackbeard is the film’s main antagonist while Hook would serve as Pan’s close ally before turning bad. Ryan Gosling was someone the studio had looked at among others for the part.

As for the title character, the studio is expected to do an open casting and find a discovery for the role. The studio is also looking for an actress in her mid-20s to play Tiger Lily.

Greg Berlanti is producing. Sarah Schechter will oversee for the studio.

The WME-repped Jackman is currently filming the Sony pic “Chappie.”

*If the process is now " in negotiations" instead of " in talks" for the role -- then maybe Hugh is more or less committed to it, pending discussion of terms?
*Hugh and Warner Bros seem to be working well together
*I wonder if this is going to be like a major tentpole movie?
*Is Hugh currently in talks for a few roles?
*Is he available for the rest of the year, after CHAPPIE?


Jo

[jo]

A little more info --

blogs.indiewire.com/theplaylist/hugh-jackman-scores-role-of-blackbeard-in-joe-wrights-pan-script-lands-on-2013-black-list-20131218

Hugh Jackman Scores Role Of Blackbeard In Joe Wright's 'Pan'; Script Lands On 2013 Black LIst

News.
by Kevin Jagernauth
December 18, 2013 6:08 PM


While last month word surfaced that Javier Bardem was being offered the villain role in Joe Wright's big studio flick, "Pan." We wondered if that deal would pan out considering Bardem doesn't really do the tentpole thing very often, and indeed our instincts were right.

Instead, it will be Hugh Jackman threatening Peter Pan in this latest take on J.M. Barrie's classic character. Penned by Jason Fuchs ("Ice Age: Continental Drift"), the project recently got a bit more shine with the script landing on the 2013 Black List of the best unproduced screenplays. Here's the official synopsis:

A prequel to JM Barrie’s Peter Pan. When an orphan is taken to the magical world of Neverland, he becomes a hero to the natives and leads a revolt against the evil pirates.


Still to be filled is the role of Hook, who will actually be an ally to Pan before turning bad (Ryan Gosling apparently passed). But there's plenty of time to sort that out, as this movie isn't due in theaters until June 26, 2015 when it elbows it's way into an already crowded summer, opening opposite "Ted 2." [Variety]

*It is on the Black List for 2013, so it must be quite a good script. I wonder if it is available somewhere on the internet? I got acquainted with Prisoners first because it was a Black List script.
*It is due for release on June 26, 2015 - so filming must be due in early 2014, given that it is a tentpole movie?
*It will be up against TED2 -- hmm..that was quite a hit, but is PAN going to be more family-friendly?


Jo

[jo]

As one filmsite ( Firstshowing.net) visualizes the characters --




It is also an ORIGIN story ( aka Prequel), before he meets Wendy?

I need to re-read on my Peter Pan lore



Jo

[jo]

The script landed on the Black List for 2013, but more towards the tailend.

www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=112537&utm_source=buffer&utm_campaign=Buffer&utm_content=bufferbdf3f&utm_medium=twitter


The connection is that the script ( Jason Fuchs) is attached with WME ( through the writer?), so Hugh must have had a chance to look at it more seriously.

The proposed director, Joe Wright, helmed Anna Karenina, The Atonement,Pride and Prejudice and two others. He is English and will helm a storyline based on the English classic by Scottish J.M.Barrie called "Peter Pan".

After only five full-length features, Wright has distinguished himself as a director, winning a BAFTA award for best newcomer for Pride & Prejudice and becoming the youngest director ever to have a film open the Venice Film Festival with Atonement.

Jo

[jo]

A little more detail on the storyline/characters...and other rumored film roles which Hugh might have considered recently --

www.thewrap.com/hugh-jackman-negotiations-play-evil-pirate-blackbeard-joe-wrights-pan/

Hugh Jackman in Negotiations to Play Evil Pirate Blackbeard in Joe Wright’s ‘Pan’


Greg Berlanti is producing the Warner Bros. movie, which was written by Jason Fuchs

“Prisoners” star Hugh Jackman is embracing his villainous side, as he’s in negotiations to play the evil pirate Blackbeard in Joe Wright’s “Pan,” TheWrap has learned.

Warner Bros. did not respond to a request for comment six days ago, when TheWrap first inquired regarding an offer to Jackman, who the studio began courting after Javier Bardem passed.

Wright’s take on J.M. Barrie’s classic tale is an origin story that follows an orphan named Peter who is captured by pirates and brought to the magical world of Neverland, where he discovers he’s the son of a fairy prince and a slave girl and that he’s destined to save the island’s natives from Blackbeard.


The studio is looking to cast a young star as James Hook, a fellow orphan who was brought to Neverland as a boy and has been working as a slave there for years, dreaming of an escape. He initially plans to use Peter as his ticket back to Earth, but ultimately he grows to care for the boy and stays to fight alongside the natives against Blackbeard. Hook loses his right hand in battle but wins the heart of native princess Tiger Lily in the process.

Jackman is in talks to play Blackbeard, who steals orphans from all over the world and uses them as slaves to mine for pixie dust, which is Neverland’s most valuable resource. He plots to invade Earth and take over the world, but first he must defeat the natives and destroy the pixie race.

Classic sidekick Smee will be depicted as a mining slave who is Hook’s longtime friend and confidante, though he ultimately betrays him and Peter by selling out the natives’ secrets and joining forces with Blackbeard.

Warner Bros. is hoping to land a young female star to play Tiger Lily, a princess among the Neverland natives and a fierce warrior who believes in Peter from the very beginning and helps him fight against Blackbeard. The character is also expected to serve as a love interest for Hook.



Greg Berlanti is producing the movie, which was written by Jason Fuchs.

After earning a Best Actor nomination for his work in “Les Miserable,” Jackman has been largely absent from the awards conversation this year, with “Prisoners” co-star Jake Gyllenhaal considered a more serious contender. In recent weeks, Jackman has also been considering offers to star in the Weinstein Company’s remake of “The Intouchables,” as well as “Criminal,” which is Ariel Vromen’s follow-up to “The Iceman.”

The Australian actor, who is currently filming Neill Blomkamp’s “Chappie,” is repped by WME.

Jo

[jo]

A number of articles cite this prospective role as possibly Hugh Jackman's first foray into a " villain" role, including this Hollywood Reporter account.

www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/hugh-jackman-talks-villain-role-666795

*I guess very few saw DECEPTION smiley-rolleyes010. He was really a true villain there, no redeeming feature till the end!

*I don't agree that Robert Angier ( as mentioned in the THR account and a few others) was a villain in THE PRESTIGE. His character was a different side of an illusionist/magician's character ( the showy one, compared to to "thinking" one in the Borden role). If you have read the original book by Christopher Priest, the character of Robert Angier was written as the more sympathetic one.

*Of course some are unsure if Keller Dover was a villain, with only Loki as the true hero? Interestingly, I have just seen a past episode of CRIMINAL MINDS which involves the abduction ( with the intent to kill) of a Caucasian and an African-American little girls and I became even a little more sympathetic with what Keller had to go through, after the distress felt by the parents in this TV episode!

*I wonder how Hugh will play the role of Blackbeard, if he accepts the role? Over the top, if this is more comedic than expected?!! Or a little more serious ( I have read up on the life of the infamous Blackbeard, aka Edward Teach, and it seems he was a serious privateer/pirate, not in terms of character but his main business)??

I wonder how the ladies will react to such a character - I can just imagine how "swashbuckling" Hugh can make the role - LOL! It would be interesting if this comes up to be another iconic one in the Jackman slate of film roles! He is becoming almost unarguably the most versatile actor performer around!


Jo