News

Hugh Jackman Will Not Star in Steven Soderbergh's Cleo

People's "Sexiest Man Alive" and 2009 Oscar host Hugh Jackman has dropped out of the discussions to star in Steven Soderbergh's Cleo. Soderbergh will direct the 3-D, live action musical based on the life and loves of the queen Cleopatra. The director wanted Jackman to play Cleopatra's lover, Marc Antony, but Jackman has dropped out of the running. No specific reasons have been cited for Jackman's exit, but it's been rumored that his full slate contributed to his decision. Soderbergh has asked Catherine Zeta-Jones to play the title character in the film. Nothing has been finalized, as Soderbergh is still working on financing the ambitious, $30 million dollar project.

Reportedly, Soderbergh is also in discussions with British actor Ray Winstone to play the part of Julius Ceasar. The film will be a rock 'n roll love story retelling the classic Antony and Cleopatra saga.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
01.05.09