The last time Hollywood took on Odysseus, we got Troy. But Lionsgate is planning a film based on a different part of the character’s life, with Francis Lawrence developing a take on Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey. And now they want Hugh Jackman to star.
At this point, it’s very early days for the discussions – The Wrap reports that the Wolverine star has just started considering the idea, but has had several conversations with Lawrence and the producers about taking on the lead.
If he does agree to star, he’ll be playing Odysseus in the aftermath of the Trojan War, on a 10-year quest to return home, during which time his wife Penelope and son Telemachus must deal with those who assume he’s long dead and are in particular vying for Penelope’s attention as potential new husbands. Once he has a cast in place, Lawrence aims to kick off shooting next year.
Jackman will be back on our screens in Joe Wright’s Pan, out on October 16. He’ll also be seen in Dexter Fletcher’s Eddie The Eagle and is getting closer to slipping on the claws to shoot a third (and, according to him, final) Wolverine film ready for release in 2017.