Hugh Jackman says he’d do a sequel to “The Greatest Showman”

in Disney, Entertainment, Movies, Movies & TV, Theater

hugh jackman the greatest showman

Credit: 21st Century Fox

Update 2/27/19:

“The Greatest Showman” director Michael Gracey says discussions have started for a sequel to the hit musical film. The movie’s leading man, Hugh Jackman, recently opened the Brit Awards in London with a performance as P.T. Barnum. During press for the awards show, Gracey told The Sun: “When a movie becomes as big a success as this, it’s only natural there is demand for a sequel. So those discussions have started and we are working on one right now.”

According to The Sun, it’s not yet known if the movie will be a traditional sequel or a prequel. Jackman is once again expected to lead the cast and the songwriting team Pasek and Paul will likely return. However, the involvement of the rest of the original cast is unknown.

Original Story 1/24/19:

Just a little more than a year ago, Hugh Jackman made moviegoers stand and cheer all around the world with his performance in “The Greatest Showman,” a film with a soundtrack that still scores highly on the iTunes top 100 list of soundtracks. And recently, Jackman revealed he’d be willing to perform under the big top once again if the opportunity arose.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Jackman, who played P.T. Barnum in the first film, said “he’d be on board if a sequel is ever going to happen.” During the interview, Jackman stated: “If a genuine opportunity came up where it felt like the right thing to do, then yep, I’d get the top hat back out.”

A group of people posing for a picture on a stage
Credit: Annie Leibovitz/Vogue

According to Lad Bible, the film grossed $435 million worldwide, making the movie a great success for 21st Century Fox, who is currently merging with The Walt Disney Company. However, as the film company moves through this new growth and expansion, it is unknown if Disney has plans for a sequel to the musical film.

“We have a situation in the business where the company that did it has been sold to Disney, so there are a lot of spinning plates right now. I’m not sure what they would do, but it did take a while to get the first one up, and it’s not to be underestimated how difficult it is to get a musical up and going,” said Jackman in the BBC Radio 5 Live interview.

Hugh Jackman standing on a stage

The reality of the situation is that it is truly unknown whether or not this beloved film will ever see a sequel. But, don’t lose all hope! Jackman also pointed out, in the same interview, that the fandom for the first film is still running strong. “It’s clear to me and to everyone that people love these characters. I loved this movie, I loved this character and it was one of the great joys of my life,” said Jackman.

Even if another film doesn’t come, fans of the first can still look forward to Jackman’s first official world tour, “The Man. The Music. The Show,” which will include performances of songs from “The Greatest Showman.” The touring show will also include performances from “Les Misérables, as well as many more numbers from various Broadway musicals and films.

Hugh Jackman wearing a suit and tie

What are your thoughts on the possibility of a sequel to “The Greatest Showman?” Let us know in the comments below!

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