Jackman stars as the legendary showman, whose life was also the subject of the award-winning Broadway musical Barnum, starring Jim Dale. Sparks has been cast in the role of newspaper critic James Gordon Bennett, whose relationship with Barnum was complicated. The film focuses on Barnum's creation of the three-ring circus as well as his relationship with “Swedish Nightingale” Jenny Lind.

In addition to Sparks, whose screen credits include The Night Of, The Girlfriend Experience, Boardwalk Empire, and House of Cards, the long-in-the-works film will also star Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya.

Michael Gracey’s film will be produced by Chernin Entertainment and Laurence Mark. Featuring a script by Jenny Bicks, it was previously reported that the film will have songs by Dear Evan Hansen composers and La La Land Oscar winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul as well as contributions by Bonnie McKee, Brian Lapin, and “Scissor Sisters” frontman Jake Shears.

A release date has yet to be announced.