THE GREATEST SHOWMAN

[jo]

www.brisbanetimes.com.au/entertainment/movies/short-cuts-hugh-jackman-circus-movie-is-circling-for-an-australian-shoot-20150429-1mvdd5.html

 


Short Cuts: Hugh Jackman circus movie is circling for an Australian shoot

DateApril 29, 2015 - 12:22PM

Garry Maddox
Writer


Hugh Jackman circus movie is circling

It looks like Hugh Jackman might be heading home to shoot a movie about famed American showman PT Barnum​ in Australia. Short Cuts first heard about the movie from an American costume designer who reluctantly turned down an offer to work on The Greatest Showman On Earth in Australia. It is to be directed by Michael Gracey​, the former visual effects technician turned commercials director, with a script about the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus by Jenny Bicks​ (Rio 2) and Bill Condon (director of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn and Kinsey). An industry insider confirmed the movie is "circling" but is yet to settle on a filming location. It would return Jackman, as star and producer, to where he shot X-Men: Origins Wolverine and The Wolverine and would make sense given the fall in the value of the dollar.

Hugh probably wants to take advantage of a favorable tax-rebate policy and to give local Australian talent another chance to contribute to a big film project. And FOX may also want to give their Sydney studios a chance to be productive -- but:

*Filming this in the neighborhood ( America ) will have the advantage of ongoing interest, as news on the production is reported regularly ( mainly by the locale that is chosen for the project). That can start the word of mouth for the movie, which can be both a potential commercial hit and a potential Oscar candidate.

*Most importantly, the film project needs outstanding acting/performing talent and an excellent creative team, if it is to be regarded as an excellent movie that can fill the box office and the award bodies's list of contenders. Hollywood and Broadway on both coasts can provide that talent. Australia provided the technical talent for the CGI-heavy The Wolverine - but what is the depth and breadth of available of talent for a movie musical spectacular?? Can it compete with Hollywood and Broadway for both acting/performing and creative talent?

*Like the above-mentioned costume designer, would key talent want to spend 3-4 months in Australia?

*Individual states in America now offer attractive filming incentives given the appeal of Canadian, European and Australian incentives...so maybe this can be explored?

*Will the natural city setting of Sydney provide the 19th century vibe of the time when P.T.Barnum lived and made a famous career as an impresario in the northeastern USA? Or will filming mainly be done in sound stages at the Fox Studio? Somehow, I am reminded of the setting for the film adaptation of Hello Dolly ( Yonkers, and downtown Manhattan at the turn of the 20th century - which enhanced the storytelling).


*Why not in New York as previously mentioned in early press releases?


I guess they know what they are doing


Besides, Aussie media is the chattiest ( is there such a word) and maybe one of the most gossip-hungry of all


Jo

[jo]

Short Cuts first heard about the movie from an American costume designer who reluctantly turned down an offer to work on The Greatest Showman On Earth in Australia.

Will Oscar winner Catharine Martin consider working on a project other than that helmed by husband Baz Luhrmann? She did the costume design for Moulin Rouge, Australia, and Great Gatsby. Although if I am not mistaken she and Baz live in New York most of the time?


Jo

[suefb]

I wonder if Hugh and Deb being able to spend some extended period of time in Australia - near their respective parents - might figure in as well. Too bad the rumor did not include an update on the possible filming dates as well (I'm greedy for tidbits ). Be interesting to know if the recent news re Mangold's schedule freeing up for The Wolverine has changed anything around.

[jo]

Re Wolverine 3 -- since they have just hired a screenwriter for the film project, it is doubtful that production can be accelerated. Maybe most that Mangold can do is to finish pre-production faster now because he can spend time on it earlier than expected. Mangold provides inputs for the screenplay -- he does some writing himself-- and he was supposed to have provided the leads for this script. The added time can help him polish the script so much better... Can they accelerate building of sets -- wouldn't that be dependent on what the script will dictate? And the hiring of key cast members will likely follow the script's requirements.

Also, Fox has plans for GREATEST SHOWMAN for a December 25, 2016 release. They cannot put it behind Wolverine 3 in scheduling, especially so that Wolverine is planned for an early March 2017 release. Not sure that you can switch the dates nor will that favor Greatest Showman. On December 21, 2016, another superhero/video game movie ( if I am not mistaken), Assassin's Creed with Fassbender is also a planned Fox release. Another factor : in 2016 they are releasing solo movies on Deadpool and on Gambit. It may be overkill to release Wolverine 3 within the same year!

If they retain their original release dates  but switch filming schedules -- will first-time film director Michael Gracey complete a movie musical, with some expected spectacle, on time?

So, what purpose does it serve to accelerate the filming of Wolverine 3. Just to keep James Mangold busy and happy?? He ain't James Cameron, in Fox's eyes ...They are not even sure that Bale will still be available sssuming that Mangold could do a fast job of WOLVERINE 3 so he can proceed to the Travis McGee potential franchise starter. Bale is a busy actor and may have other firm commitments in the future...And how will the switching around make Jackman feel? That his own commitments ( in terms of prioritizing Greatest Showman) can just be set aside? Actually, it looks like it is just the filmsites who jumped at the possibility without researching further into what other problems may arise -- they just wanted to find a story to tell, hence the speculation smiley-rolleyes010

Hmm...while it is personally likely that Hugh and Deb may want to spend some time in Australia ( as they did when Australia and Origins:Wolverine were filmed  back to back...and when The Wolverine was filmed), there were valid reasons for filming in Australia then. "Australia" is self-explanatory. The two Wolverine movies used the Fox Studio and Australian creative/technical talent  ( esp on the technical side) was freely available. But it was the Australian tax incentives which gave the filming of The Wolverine the nod, as it effectively reduced the production budget. Origins actually had to be filmed partly in New Zealand because the required scenery was located there... Part of The Wolverine was filmed in Japan ( because the storyline was based there).  My own concern is they might limit themselves to the available creative talent and acting talent by locating the filming there.  For example, if Sutton Foster is cast -- will she want to spend 3-4 months in Australia?  And I think Broadway can provide a lot of the triple threats -- not sure if Sydney has enough depth for that kind of talent widely available? Also, other creatives like choreography might be more readily available on Broadway or Hollywood. I think the main negative aspect about filming in America is the production cost, unfortunately.

Also, for selfish reasons, if they use AMPAS, SAG and American Equity talent, the film project ( if done very well) will have a greater chance with award bodies

I think Hugh is professional enough not to put personal interests over professional interests. If he owned Fox, maybe so ...but Fox is still owned by another Australian ( RM) .

Maybe it will be the overall comparison of prons and cons which will tip the balance for Australia or for the USA? And I wonder what kind of production budget greenlight did he get for this film project?


Jo

[jo]

If the positives can overcome the negatives, is Hugh working towards back-to-back filming of GREASTEST SHOWMAN and WOLVERINE 3 in Australia? On a personal note, how will this affect the schooling of Oscar and Ava?

Hmmm...

[suefb]

Wolverine 3 has had a screenwriter for over a year now (David James Kelly), so I doubt that Michael Green is starting from ground zero. At least I hope he is mainly doing some finishing work on the script and not having to completely overhaul it.

[jo]

Have they even agreed on which storylines will be used? I think James Mangold, when Hugh made that cryptic instagram message about "One last time!" replied that he has been toiling on this by himself. I wonder if he and Hugh have actually agreed on which Wolverine storyline will be pursued - some say it may be Old Man Logan partly...but then that presumes a much older and aged Logan. It is almost tempting to say that it could be a chance for a return trip for Hugh Jackman to a Wolverine role once more into the distant future ( many years from now). Or could it be The Death of Wolverine ?  Or maybe they have decided to have a fresh start, now that Hugh has finally said it will be his farewell portrayal of the character!  Maybe something more spectacular and even more memorable characterization...and maybe that is the reason for the new scriptwriter??   We will have to wait and see!

It could be that the original script was turned down?

Bill Condon was supposdly asked to polish the script for Greatest Showman. But it seems that Fox may have actually required a complete change in orientation of the script - from the Jenny Lind-infatuation emphasis to one which highlights more of Barnum's rise as a circus innovator and impresario - to fit in with more fun, more family-oriented entertainment.  The rewritten storyline was what probably got the greenlight by FOX, as it presented a more commercially viable film!  The project, based on the Jenny Bicks script, was languishing for so long ( years and years) and Hugh could not get the greenlight, until the hiring of Condon and the change in the cinematic vision and storytelling.

Scriptwriting for comicbook movies can be tricky -- they can completely discard a written script although some ideas may spring from it. When Origins was first planned -- everyone was so elated with what David Benioff ( who is actually the son of a Wall Street top honcho - Benioff was his mother's name while his father, Stephen Friedman, was former Chairman of Goldman Sachs and the NY Federal Reserve Board and was also in top government service) had written - a perfect script supposedly! But look at how Origins was eventually received! Was there much deviation from the script when the movie was made or was the script originally more more mum on the fate of Deadpool ( the main source of the fan dissatisfaction)?? Production was troubled, with some very well publicized tiff between Fox and the film director. "Skip Woods, who had written Hitman for Fox, was later hired to revise and rewrite Benioff's script. Benioff aimed for a "darker and a bit more brutal" story, writing it with an R rating in mind, although he acknowledged the film's final tone would rest with the producers and director.".

When Days of Future Past was first planned - it was Matthew Vaughn who was writing and directing the movie. But he opted out ( so the story goes -- or was Fox unhappy with his first draft or cinematic vision). Bryan Singer turned up and guided the entire rewriting of the script ( Bryan also writes scripts with his own writing team) but acknowledged that they had some inputs from Matthew.

At least Hugh is now involved into two very interesting projects with great potential!

There is no indication that the new scriptwriter for Wolverine 3 is placed there mainly for script polishing. It cannot always be assumed especially for blockbusters that the first script will be the dominant text for a movie creation.

If Hugh has been actively scouting around as to where to film GREATEST SHOWMAN, then maybe this is the real first priority. He has to deliver it by December 25, 2016!

[suefb]

You said that it was doubtful Wolverine could move forward because a scriptwriter was only just hired. I'm just saying it's an equally valid guess that the script is closer to completion than if somebody were just now starting to work on it. I always read Hugh's "One Last Time" instagram at the end of March as his first official confirmation of the project. So perhaps there was a decent draft of the script available at that point, that he approved. And to me, Mangold's response was just saying that work has been going on quietly behind the scenes, not necessarily only by him. It's also possible Green has been working on the script for some time, and they only just announced his attachment at the same time that Fox announced their decision to set Mangold's Bale project aside and focus on Wolverine.

[wildfire]

Looks like Hugh is in LA!

[jo]

Your points are of course all feasible, Sue

But does it make sense to postpone GREATEST SHOWMAN and put WOLVERINE 3 ahead in terms of filming schedule?

*Greatest Showman has a December 25, 2016 playdate. Wolverine 3 is slated for March 3, 2107.

*Greatest Showman is supposed to be family entertainment and has been given the best possible release date. Wolverine 3, if rescheduled to take the Christmas 2016 playdate, will compete with Deadpool and Gambit for release within the same year. That might be overkill for an XMEN movie, when in the past they used to release only one movie every three years.

*Releasing movies in late December is usually for family-friendly movies or movies that are trying to make the Oscar deadline. I doubt that Wolverine 3 is gunning for Oscar glory, although that could also be feasible. Greatest Showman, which has been mentioned in one report ( Deadline or Hollywood Reporter?) as "Oscar-friendly" could fit the bill on both counts.

*Another Fox release is expected in December 2016 - Assassin's Creed, a video-game superhero movie with Fassbender will open 4 days ahead of the playdate for Greatest Showman. Replacing Greatest Showman with Wolverine 3 will look ridiculous for Fox to pit one blockbuster movie of the same genre with another of theirs within 4 days of each other.

*Switching the filming schedule of Greatest Showman to take the original Wolverine 3 schedule of "early next year" will give first-time film director Michael Gracey not much time for filming and post production ( movie is slated for Christmas 2016). If this were a drama or a comedy, maybe that could happen. But this is a movie musical, with a likely a spectacle theme ( as the film has been repositioned to highlight Barnum's life as the founder of Barnum and Bailey). If Gracey is a more experienced film director, then maybe it can be feasible, but why put this particular film project somewhat at risk? Les Miserables filming lasted till June and was released Christmas Day of the same year. We read about how they had to film even into the night ( and wee hours) so as not to miss their schedule towards the end. And Tom Hooper is already a established director. At that time, Hugh was allowed only a very short break to start filming The Wolverine - he had to build the Wolverine musculature and weight while filming Les Miserables and had to gain something like 30 lbs from the time when he had completed filming the convict scenes. The release date was moved from its original playdate of the first week of December to Christmas Day ( hopefully, to meet its Oscar deadline). But that was quite a scare. Fortunately, BaZ Luhrmann's GREAT GATSBY vacated its Christmas Day 2012 opening date because Baz could not complete the movie within schedule - it was rescheduled for spring 2013.

It wouldn't make sense for GREATEST SHOWMAN to be delayed in its filming schedule, unless the musical score has not been completely written or there is a major delay in casting key parts ( but usually Hollywood does not reschedule unless it is the lead star who is unable to go ahead with the schedule).

I also remember that THE WOLVERINE was postponed in its filming about three times. It was initially supposed to start lensing after Real Steel but they had to wait for Darren to handle his Oscar season duties for Black Swan. Then DA dropped out. Rumor was that Darren's cinematic vision was not exactly what Fox wanted. It was further moved to around a fall filming date but it did not happen again. It gave Hugh an opportunity to do his one-man show on Broadway and to follow that with Les Miserables filming. One month or so after Les Miserables filming, The Wolverine finally started its principal photography. So, it does take a lot of prep for blockbuster movies ( by the way, James Mangold rewrote the script partly before the movie could start). Maybe those were extraordinary circumstances but tentpole movies do take a lot of attention. Wolverine 3 is Hugh's valedictory portrayal of his career icon, so they would likely want to give the character the best sendoff! Will they kill him off - not likely, in a comic book franchise - but with a trilogy already on hand and Wolverine leading the group in team movies -- it may take some time before interest in the character may surge again. It looks like the franchise is rebooting with Apocalypse or after that.

*Hugh is now exploring where to film Greatest Showman, so that is very likely his next film project. He has personally confirmed that the film is due to start principal photography in September. During his days before and during The River, he was supposed to have already done some studio recording of the score and a workshop with some Broadway stars ( Sutton Foster and Aaron Tveit) maybe in preparation for filming? Zac Efron was also said to be in talks for a role ( although we do not know if anything came out of it). But those activities happened after Bill Condon did the rewrite of the script.


I guess we will just have to wait and see how these things further develop

Jo

[jo]

And he is in LA --

Hugh JackmanVerified account
‏@realhughjackman Hello LA! Excited for our visit. And yes, I only took my hat off for 2 seconds to take this photo.

http://instagram.com/p/2EHEQrihA4

Hmm...

*Concluding negotiations for another major film project? Or taking care of things before GREATEST SHOWMAN starts filming?

*Apocalypse is filming now in Montreal now, not Vancouver -- so maybe it is not for the rumored cameo?

*Going to Sydney via LA? Partly to negotiate for tax credits with the Australian Government for Greatest Showman or to check out filming locations in Australia? Maybe for a family visit?

*Or on holiday on the West Coast?

*Or could be something totally unexpected



Btw, has he completed filming his part for EDDIE THE EAGLE?

[suefb]

I guess I was wondering if Wolverine could possibly start filming sometime in the middle or late summer through early fall with Greatest Showman filming in late fall (instead of early fall) into the early part of 2016. I agree that it would make sense to film them in the order of planned release, but perhaps if things are little further ahead for one than the other, they might opt to swap them. It just seemed odd to me to get all these recent announcements indicating imminent movement on Wolverine, 8 months away from filming. So it made me wonder if they were possibly pressing to get it going sooner. Plus this latest news of Greatest Showman looking elsewhere besides NY.

Now ... we've seen Hugh working out a bit here and there, but he doesn't seem close to tip-top Wolverine shape right now. So that is a hint that I'm totally off base. Anyway, I'd actually prefer if some other project we're not aware of would suddenly pop up and get filmed first.

[jo]

P.T.Barnum was a very interesting character and a very astute businessman.

www.chicagonow.com/quark-in-the-road/2013/07/p-t-barnum-entrepreneur-showman-astute-marketeer/

T. Barnum: Entrepreneur, Showman, Astute Marketeer

By Aquinas wired, July 5, 2013 at 1:21 pm






Born today was P.T. Barnum.

His Circus gave him fame and stardom.

With Jenny Lind and Tom Thumb in it,



'Twas fun for the sucker born every minute.*

*There is a sucker born every minute Each time the second hand sweeps to the top Like dandelions up they pop, Their ears so big, their eyes so wide. And though I feed ‘em bonafide baloney With no truth in it Why you can bet I’ll find some rube to buy my corn. ‘Cause there’s a sure-as-shooting sucker born a minute, And I’m referrin’ to the minute you were born.

Each blessed hour brings sixty of ‘em Each time the wooden cuckoo shows his face Another sucker takes his place, And plunks his quarter on the line To buy my brand of genuine malarkey. God bless and love ‘em! But don’t feel sad or hoppin’ mad or cause a scene ‘Cause there’s a sure-as-shooting sucker born a minute, But Ma’am you mighta been the minute in between.

If I allow that right here in my hands The smallest living human man The sight of that is surely worth a dime If I present an educated pooch Who’s trained to dance the hoochie cooch What better way to waste a bit of time If I imported monumental cost A lady, fair, who’s head was lost While crossing railroad tracks to pick some zinnias Who eats farina through a hose And wares pink tights instead of clothes If that ain’t worth a buck my name ain’t Phineas

Aw you say that’s hog wash well who cares You’ll buy my hog was long as

There’s a sucker born every minute Each time the second hand sweeps to the top Like dandelions up they pop, Their ears so big, their eyes so wide. And though my tale is bonafide baloney, Just let me spin it, And ain’t no man who can resist me wait and see ‘Cause there’s a sure-as-shooting sucker born a minute, And friends the biggest one excluding none is me!

('','There Is A Sucker Born Every Minute') Send "There Is A Sucker Born Every Minute" [From the musical "Barnum" lyrics by Michael Stewart, music by Cy Coleman]

As Barnum once said:

1. "Every crowd has a silver lining."

2. "I don't care what you say about me, just spell my name right."

3. Opinions are like assholes; everyone's got one."

4. "Money is a terrible master, but an excellent servant."

5. "to the Egress"---a deceptive sign used to reduce crowding.

Can't imagine Hugh saying those lines

This is going to be a challenging (and enjoyable) portrayal for him!


Jo

[jo]

He's probably still in LA? So, the business is probably something to do with Hollywood -- hope he is negotiating for a new major project?

therealb_rob
@thehughjackman my partner just rented you a car at Hertz and shook your hand!! He told me you remembered him!!! So cool!!

[mamaleh]

From that sketch of P. T. Barnum, I'd say ideal casting would have been Karl Malden in the late '50s.

Ellen

[jo]

You're absolutely right, Ellen. The sketch seemed very familiar but I couldn't place which person I am reminded of.

How will Hugh be made to look like in this role? I hope it will be just a wig change or a very different hairstyle or will there be facial prosthetics? And since this is a period movie ( Barnum lived in the 19th century), hopefully, they will just let Hugh look as he does in period costume - or will there be a middle-aged paunch?

LOL! I know - we should let him look like the character, not the sexiest man alive

[jo]

Here are some images --

[jo]

It looks like the composing team will be a collaborative effort. From Broadway.com--

Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, the Tony-nominated duo behind A Christmas Story, are among the composers who will provide material for the movie. The score will also feature songs by Scissor Sisters front-man Jake Shears, singer/songwriter Bonnie McKee and Brian Lapin.

Bonnie McKee --

www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBgksa0cm9Y


Is this period piece film going to get a more contemporary vibe in its musical score?

Jo

[suefb]

Apr 29, 2015 14:14:04 GMT -5 suefb said:

Now ... we've seen Hugh working out a bit here and there, but he doesn't seem close to tip-top Wolverine shape right now.

Going back to this discussion, briefly, now that we have gotten a ... ahem, good look at his current physique, it confirms that - while still quite lovely, to put it mildly - he doesn't really look anywhere close to "Wolvie shape" at the moment. So I'm backing down on any thoughts that Wolverine might film ahead of Greatest Showman. MAYBE he could ramp it up for late this year, but this summer seems unrealistic. 

[jo]

Assuming he's done with Eddie the Eagle, has a few days for any possible PAN reshoots, after the holiday in Hawaii, and after completing his commitments for the Istanbul concert -- I wonder if he is simply going to be busy preparing for GREATEST SHOWMAN ...or is there a surprise awaiting us ( from June to August)

[jo]

Hmmm... will the developments on PAN impact on the filming schedule for GREATEST SHOWMAN?

It's likely that he will be involved heavily on the promo work for PAN, which is being released on October 9. Given the uncertain vibes that the rescheduling from the summer season to the fall season that may have arisen, I wonder if the promotion and publicity will be more intensive than usual. They have not released a second trailer for PAN, so it is likely that they are reworking on the focus ( if the buzz about the initial cut being a little too dark for its intended demos is true ?).

Media junkets and world premieres in key cities will likely take at least 2 weeks. If China is intended as a release demos for PAN, they may have to go to Asia, too? All these may affect his filming schedule for GREATEST SHOWMAN?

There is also no new casting news.

Hopefully, Hugh will shed more light on his schedules when he does the media interview in a few days time?

Jo

[jo]

Reposting this from the Istanbul thread --

I am not sure if he sang the song from GREATEST SHOWMAN again, as he did in the first concert in March. I had been able to ask the blogger who published that long account of the first concert about the song...and this is what she shared --



"The song was like a conversation (like in Les Misérables). The story was about a barter taking place between a merchant and a buyer. In the song, they were trying to make a deal."


So, it sounds like a song from musical theatre -- a song that advances the story by itself?

The song choice must have been influenced by Hugh wanting to show what the movie is all about -- about what kind of sweet-talker and deal-maker the greatest impresario ever was


Jo

[jo]

Project is still on

www.smh.com.au/entertainment/movies/short-cuts-the-fate-of-the-real-last-cab-to-darwin-and-why-hugh-jackman-would-addox
be-a-failure-as-a-director-20150826-gj6l0j.html

Short Cuts: The fate of the real last cab to Darwin and why Hugh Jackman would be a failure as a director

DateAugust 24, 2015
Garry Maddox

View more articles from Garry M


Why Hugh Jackman won't be directing

Wants to shoot two films in Sydney ... Hugh Jackman.

Hugh Jackman grabbed headlines with the big announcement this week that he is touring the country with the arena show Broadway to Oz — Hugh Jackman Live in Concert. But he also spoke about the two movies he is hoping to shoot in Australia — his final Wolverine instalment and Michael Gracey's​ P.T. Barnum​ bio-pic The Greatest Showman On Earth. While both are dependent on locations, Jackman hopes to shoot them largely in Sydney, just as he has with X-Men Origins: Wolverine and The Wolverine. Other than the filmmaking incentives to shoot in Australia, the attractions include being able to have a dip at Bondi before heading to Fox Studios. But while Jackman has moved into producing his movies, he has no interest in following fellow Les Miserables star Russell Crowe into directing. "I just ran into Joel Edgerton and he said he he's had the time of his life [directing as well as starring in The Gift] and that made me think about it. But I just feel I'm a bit too indecisive." Jackman says the greatest directors are very definite in their vision as they make 200 to 300 decisions a day. "I think I'd just be annoying to everybody and to myself," he says. "'Yeah, I like the red and the yellow dress'. 'Well which one?' 'They're both great.' It would be that all day long."

[mamaleh]

It helps to know yourself and be honest about it. Good on Hugh. And I hope his "hoping to shoot" GREATEST SHOWMAN comes true.

Ellen

[jo]

But he also spoke about the two movies he is hoping to shoot in Australia — his final Wolverine instalment and Michael Gracey's​ P.T. Barnum​ bio-pic The Greatest Showman On Earth. While both are dependent on locations, Jackman hopes to shoot them largely in Sydney...

Would there be occasions where they have to shoot part of Greatest Showman partly in America -- wherever they can find the city location that best portrays the time when Barnum lived?