Saying that Hugh Jackman is the frontrunner for a major movie role isn’t really revealing all that much, as he’s currently one of those people who’ll always be on the list of possibilities for a big tentpole flick. However this time there’s a chance he might actually sign on.
Deadline reports that Jackman is currently first choice for the lead in the remake of the1966 sci-fi classic, Fantastic Voyage. There’s a decent chance Hugh will be interested, as it would reunite the actor with Shawn Levy, director of the upcoming Real Steel. They’ve already expressed a desire to work together again, and are currently developing an action movie that Carlton Cuse is directing.
It’s also true that while Jackman was supposed to be off to Japan this year to shoot The Wolverine, following the departure of director Darren Aronofsky, it appears production on that film may not now happen until next year. That frees Jackman up to make something else while he’s waiting (although he’s apparently kept the mutton-chops he’s been growing, just in case things come together quickly).
Fantastic Voyage centres around a team of scientists who shrink themselves into a a tiny ship. They are injected into the bloodstream of a sick colleague and must find out what is wrong with him to save his life. There’s also apparently a dramatic love story to keep things ticking over. James Cameron is producing the largely CGI flick, with Laeta Kalogridis (Avatar, Shutter Island) and Shane Salerno on scripting duties.
As yet no offer has been made to Jackman, although the latest version of the script is expected soon and Fox could well give the greenlight based on that, especially if they can land a major star to anchor the movie.