Hugh Jackman Signs On For Real Steel

x-men_origins_wolverine_movie_image_hugh_jackmanAussie actor Hugh Jackman needs to be more careful in choosing his projects. For every The Prestige, there’s a Deception…and who remembers Swordfish? In which category his latest green-lit picture – Real Steel - lies, remains to be seen.

It seems Dreamworks honcho Steven Spielberg loves robots at the moment (we know he loves sci-fi). And his studio is set again to use the genre for a new spectacular described by Variety as “Rocky-esque”.

Based upon a Richard Matheson short story, with a screenplay by Dan Gilroy, Jackman plays a “Robot Boxing promoter” who discovers a robot and his son. So far, so intriguing. Dreamworks describe the film as a “rousing sports movie” (set in space).

It’s been a super-busy time for Steven Spielberg. As studio head he’s had to refinance Dreamworks on top of directing Tintin. It seems when in doubt, choose robots to bolster the coffers.

Jackman needs a hit after the disastrous box office of Australia and the less than brilliant X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Could this teaming up with one of America’s greatest directors reap rewards? Watch this space. Like his fellow Deception co-star Ewan McGregor, Jackman is a brilliant actor often appearing in clunkers. Reel Steel begins shooting in June 2010.

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About Martyn Conterio

Martyn Conterio lives in London, England and has devoted his life to watching films then talking about them afterwards. He worked in a video store for a while, went to university, then worked as a script and continuity supervisor for a community arts project "ReelMcr" before pursuing a new career as a film journalist. Martyn has written for a variety of publications before joining FilmShaft as Features Editor.
  • Tara
    Australia wasn´t a disaster. It made a good BO worldwide - producers certainly know they can´t live without worldwide profits. I don´t think Levy is a great director but he can suprise - and with Spielberg watching over him, I think this could work.
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