Hugh Jackman's musical number as the host 81st Academy Awards has impressed the folks at 20th Century Fox, as the studio has recruited him to star in its upcoming "The Greatest Showman on Earth" musical.

Jackman will slip into the role of American entertainer P.T. Barnum, who promoted celebrated hoaxes and founded the three-ring circus.

Variety says the film will also look at his relationship with singer Jenny Lind, a role which is apparently being written for Anne Hathaway. You may remember her joining Jackman in his excellent Oscar act.

Jenny Bicks, whose credits include "Men in Trees" and "Sex and the City," will write the script, and Fox is apparently talking to singer Mika to write music and lyrics.

Jackman was recently seen in "X-Men Origins: Wolverine." One of his upcoming projects is "Carousel."