Hugh Jackman, who most geeks will know as Wolverine from the X-Men films, but who also garnered attention for his starring role in Broadway’s “The Boy From Oz”, will be the next star to ride on Chicago’s tailcoats. Chicago’s success is responsible for the rebirth of musicals, and Jackman has formed a production company with several partners to produce new musicals, with the intent of Jackman to star. This production company is being supported by Walt Disney Studios who has made a non-exclusive deal with Jackman to develop up to three films.

Give credit where credit is due though. While Jackman recognizes Chicago is responsible for the new boom in musicals (upcoming productions include Rent, Hairspray, and The Producers, as well as the currently in theaters Phantom of the Opera) that doesn’t automatically mean musical’s will succeed. "As an art form, the musical is Mount Everest. Tough to pull off, but exhilarating and timeless when it works. And when it is done badly, it stinks to high heaven” said Jackman, who is happy with his partnership with Disney because the Mouse House seems interested in giving the project time to develop properly, rather than rush something out the door to catch the current musical-craze. What musicals will be developed has yet to be determined, although Jackman is hoping to avoid remaking musicals that have already been done.

Before running headfirst into the musical genre, Jackman and partner John Palermo will cut their producer teeth on the next X-Man film, according to Variety, as well as a Wolverine spin-off.