Once Hugh Jackman wrapped up his superhero duties for the final time on “Logan,” he jumped right over to “The Greatest Showman,” which finally allows the actor a chance to flex his considerable musical muscle — which we’ve seen in “Les Miserables,” for example — on the big screen.
Co-starring Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, and Zendaya, the film tells the story of P.T. Barnum, who made his name with circus spectacles, with the film tracking his rise from poverty to fame. However, don’t expect a dusty, old-fashioned film.
“We were clear from the beginning that this wouldn’t feel like a period movie or a historical piece,” Jackman told EW. “What would Barnum do now? I have an almost-12-year-old daughter. I wanted [the movie] to be as exciting for her as listening to Katy Perry’s new song.”
Directed by Michael Gracey, “The Greatest Showman” opens on Christmas Day.