Some Hugh news
Lowry, Jackman bet on "Blackpool"
Wed Oct 18, 3:04 AM ET
"Huff" creator Bob Lowry and actor Hugh Jackman have teamed for "Viva Blackpool," a high-concept light drama project for CBS.
CBS snagged the project in spirited bidding with two other networks, giving it a hefty seven-figure pilot commitment.
Based on the successful BBC miniseries, "Viva Blackpool" tells the story of Ripley Holden, a sleazy but charismatic low-end casino owner whose dream is to cash in and open a five-star mega-resort on the Las Vegas Strip. Like the BBC series, the CBS version will have a murder mystery at its center and will feature the cast bursting into song-and-dance numbers.
Jackman, who has deep roots in musical theater, will guest star in the pilot. He also is expected to serve as an executive producer.
Jackman won a Tony for his starring role in the Broadway musical "The Boy From Oz." On the big screen, he will next appear in Chris Nolan's "The Prestige," which opens Friday (October 20), and "The Fountain." Next year he is set to star opposite Nicole Kidman in Baz Luhrmann's yet-untitled period drama for 20th Century Fox.
Lowry created and executive produced the critically praised drama "Huff" for Showtime. His series credits also include Lifetime's "Any Day Now" and NBC's "Profiler."
Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
