Hugh Jackman might be enjoying a break between projects – sort of, since he’s been on the promotional trail for his latest film, kidnap drama Prisoners – but he has plenty of movies lined up and has just added another to the list. Speaking at a press conference at the Zurich Film Festival, he announced he’s taken a role in Neill Blomkamp’s robo-action-comedy **Chappie{
“I am doing a role in Neill’s new film, called Chappie, which we shoot in Johannesburg,” Jackman said, as reported by Screen International. “I’m there for a couple of weeks at the beginning of next year.”
Sharlto Copley will be voicing the titular droid, an advanced machine stolen by two gangsters (rappers Ninja and Yolandi Visser) who look to use the robot for their own criminal ends. Eugene Khumbanyiwa and Elysium’s Jose Pablo Cantillo are also aboard the film, which Blomkamp wrote with Terri Tatchell. There's no word on Jackman's precise role yet, but look out for that soon.
In related Jackman news, he touched upon his seemingly stalled plans for a Broadway musical based on Houdini, saying that he's still mulling whether to do it. And talking of performers, there’s the new film of PT Barnum’s life, The Greatest Showman On Earth. "I thought it would stay in active development, if I’m honest, because new musicals are very difficult,” says Jackman. “But just recently it’s taken a real turn and there’s some real momentum so watch this space.”
To see Jackman (and Jake Gyllenhaal plus director Denis Villeneuve) talk up Prisoners, head here.