Hugh Jackman’s movie The Greatest Showman set for the bright lights of Broadway despite being written off by critics

AFTER being written off as a flop by film luvvies and critics after just seven days in cinemas, The Greatest Showman is the most unlikely commercial film triumph of the decade.

And now I can reveal HUGH JACKMAN’s original musical film will continue to thrive in a different guise – as a major stage musical.

The Cannes Film Festival has been alight with discussions about an upcoming Broadway production of the show, which is already being secretly worked on by the brains behind the movie.

Plans were put on ice before the movie’s release – as analysts wrongly predicted a box office failure.

So now there’s hasty movement behind-the-scenes to bring now iconic songs like This Is Me, Never Enough and Rewrite the Stars, to the stage, just as the film’s incredible soundtrack returns to the top of the UK chart yesterday.

I’m told the stage show is the priority over any sequel or spin-off movie.

The Greatest Showman was actually work-shopped for ten weeks before filming, mirroring the preparation of a theatre show.

KEALA SETTLE, who was plucked from Broadway obscurity to play the bearded lady, seems an obvious lock to star in the stage version.

Given HUGH JACKMAN’s passion for the project – it was only his pluck that got the film made after eight years of trying – that will be enough to coax him back to Broadway too, according to my sources.

And can you imagine what director MICHAEL GRACEY would do with his debut Broadway show given the runaway success of his first film?

My Greatest Showman insiders say the musical is most likely to start in New York – because that’s where Hugh lives with his family.

But a transfer to the West End is considered inevitable, especially given the success of the film here.

And weekend singalong versions of the movie continue to be a box office smash, even as the DVD is released.

I attended one sold out screening at the Prince Charles Cinema in Leicester Square last month – and it was a truly joyous night, with a broad mix of adults and children dressed as their favourite characters.

Of course, it will not be the first major musical about the life of PT BARNUM. Barnum was a West End staple from 1981, running for 655 performances.

I’m predicting here that The Greatest Showman: The Musical will be even more successful.