Jackman Brings 'Blackpool' to CBS

Zap2It.com | October 18, 2006

Hugh Jackman

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'The Prestige' star will produce and possibly appear in the pilot

The acclaimed BBC miniseries "Viva Blackpool" may be coming to CBS with Tony winner Hugh Jackman in tow.

According to the industry trade papers, Jackman is expected to executive produce the pilot along with his Seed Prods. partner John Palermo. The "X-Men" star is expected to cameo in the pilot as well.

Translating "Blackpool" for domestic audiences will be "Huff" creator Bob Lowry, while Peter Bowker, the man behind the BBC mini, will also stick around as an executive producer.

Like the BBC original, "Blackpool" will focus on Ripley Holden (David Morrissey in the first incarnation), a sleazy businessman who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation just as he's trying to build a major casino. For the American version, the Blackpool setting will apparently be shifted to Las Vegas, though the remake will maintain the most unique aspect of the BBC series: The cast will break into song-and-dance numbers at unexpected intervals.

Jackman's Seed has a pact with CBS Paramount Network TV, which is expected to stick around as co-producer.

The first "Blackpool" (the "Viva" was added for the show's BBC America airing) was nominated for a BAFTA for best drama serial and for a Golden Globe for mini-series or motion picture made for TV.

Coming off "X-Men: The Last Stand" and "Scoop," Jackman's busy fall includes "The Prestige" and "The Fountain." His upcoming projects include Baz Luhrmann's eternally untitled Australian epic, a "Wolverine" spin-off, and a remake of the musical "Carousel."