It seems Hugh Jackman wants to get a bit arty and international, as Variety is reporting that he’s set to star in Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, which will be directed by Wayne Wang (The Joy Luck Club, Smoke). Although Wang has been decidedly commercial of late, making movies like Maid In Manhattan and Last Holiday), Snow Flower sounds a more serious prospect.
Adapted from Lisa See’s novel, the story is about the love between two women and the rigid codes that govern their friendship in 19th Century China. Jackman will play the male lead in the movie.
The English language film will also star Chinese actress Li Bingbing (taking over from the previously announced Zhang Ziyi), and South Korea’s Jeong Ji-Hyunand. Shooting began this week in China.