Hugh Jackman poised to play pirate villain Blackbeard in "Pan"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Hugh Jackman is in negotiations to play the villainous pirate Blackbeard in Warner Bros.’ forthcoming Peter Pan origin film “Pan,” Variety said.

Joe Wright is directing the adventure tale from a script by Jason Fuchs.

WB had gone to Javier Bardem for the role but the actor passed and the studio pursued Jackman shortly after that.

While the Australian actor isn’t known for playing villains, Jackman has shown the ability to take on the darker roles. His recent perf in WB’s “Prisoners” got high praise from critics and though he’s not the bad guy in the film, the part is much edgier than his previous roles, even that of the anti-hero Wolverine in the “X-Men” movies.

Jackman had been in discussions for a handful of films before committing to “Pan” including the antagonist in Warner Bros. “The Incredible Mr. Limpet” remake.

The origin story revolves around an orphan who is taken to the magical world of Neverland where he becomes a hero to the natives and leads a revolt against the evil pirates.

The idea is that Blackbeard is the film’s main antagonist while Hook would serve as Pan’s close ally before turning bad. Ryan Gosling was someone the studio had looked at among others for the part.

As for the title character, the studio is expected to do an open casting and find a discovery for the role. The studio is also looking for an actress in her mid-20s to play Tiger Lily.

Jackman is currently filming the Sony pic “Chappie.”