Hugh Jackman will play P.T. Barnum in "The Greatest Showman on Earth," a contemporary musical to be written by Jenny Bicks. 20th Century Fox will distribute the film.

Variety reports that Laurence Mark will produce the picture along with Jackman and John Palermo.

Jackman will play the showman who went on to create one of the largest circuses that made him famous. The musical will also tell of his relationship with Jenny Lind.

Anne Hathaway is being courted for the role of Lind.