Released in 2017, The Greatest Showman became an instant sensation with its vibrant musical numbers, stunning visuals, and powerful performances.
Directed by Michael Gracey, the movie is a tribute to P.T. Barnum’s creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The film’s diverse and talented cast was central to its success, portraying a variety of characters who brought Barnum’s vision to life.
Below is a detailed look at the key members of the cast and what they’ve been up to since the movie’s release.
Hugh Jackman (P.T. Barnum)
Hugh Jackman, already a well-known actor, brought his versatility and star power to the role of P.T. Barnum. Jackman’s portrayal of Barnum, the visionary who creates a spectacle-filled circus, is full of energy and charisma.
Known for his wide-ranging career, from Wolverine in the X-Men series to Broadway, Jackman’s performance in The Greatest Showman showcased his impressive singing and dancing abilities. Since the movie’s release, Jackman has continued his acting and musical career, starring in films like The Front Runner and performing in live musical tours.
Michelle Williams (Charity Barnum)
Michelle Williams played Charity Barnum, P.T. Barnum’s devoted wife. Williams, known for her nuanced and emotional performances, brought depth to the character, showing the challenges of being married to a man with such grand ambitions. After The Greatest Showman, Williams went on to star in various critically acclaimed projects, including Venom and the limited series Fosse/Verdon, for which she won an Emmy Award.
Zac Efron (Phillip Carlyle)
Zac Efron portrayed Phillip Carlyle, a wealthy playwright who partners with Barnum to bring the circus to new heights. Efron’s character also becomes romantically involved with the acrobat Anne Wheeler.
Efron, already famous for his work in musicals like High School Musical, delivered a standout performance, especially in the duet “Rewrite the Stars.” Since the film’s release, Efron has appeared in several movies, including Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, where he portrayed serial killer Ted Bundy.
Zendaya (Anne Wheeler)
Zendaya played Anne Wheeler, an acrobat and trapeze artist who falls in love with Phillip Carlyle. Zendaya’s performance was one of the film’s highlights, showcasing her acting and physical skills as she performed breathtaking stunts on the trapeze.
Zendaya has become a major force in Hollywood since the film, starring in blockbuster films like Spider-Man: No Way Home and the critically acclaimed TV series Euphoria, for which she won an Emmy Award.
Rebecca Ferguson (Jenny Lind)
Rebecca Ferguson took on the role of Jenny Lind, the Swedish opera singer whose performances help elevate Barnum’s show to new levels. Although Ferguson didn’t sing Lind’s famous song “Never Enough” (which was performed by Loren Allred), she still delivered a captivating portrayal of the character. Post-The Greatest Showman, Ferguson has appeared in major films like Mission: Impossible – Fallout and Dune.
Keala Settle (Lettie Lutz)
Keala Settle’s performance as Lettie Lutz, the bearded lady, is unforgettable. Settle sang the film’s anthem, “This Is Me,” which became a global hit and earned an Oscar nomination. Her powerful voice and emotional performance resonated with audiences, making her one of the standout performers in the movie. Since then, Settle has appeared in TV shows like Rent: Live and Big Shot.
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II (W.D. Wheeler)
Yahya Abdul-Mateen II portrayed W.D. Wheeler, Anne Wheeler’s brother and an acrobat in the circus. Though his role was smaller, Abdul-Mateen’s talent was evident. He has since gained significant recognition, starring in films such as Aquaman, Candyman, and The Trial of the Chicago 7. His work on HBO’s Watchmen earned him an Emmy Award.
Natasha Liu Bordizzo (Deng Yan)
Natasha Liu Bordizzo played Deng Yan, another acrobat in Barnum’s troupe who specializes in blades. After The Greatest Showman, Bordizzo has appeared in films like Wish Dragon and The Voyeurs. She has also been cast in the Star Wars spinoff series Ahsoka, further establishing her rising career in Hollywood.
The Impact of the Cast
The ensemble cast of The Greatest Showman contributed to the film’s widespread success, both critically and commercially. Each actor brought unique qualities to their roles, blending musical talent with compelling character portrayals.
The chemistry between the cast members, especially in musical numbers like “This Is Me” and “Rewrite the Stars,” helped elevate the movie into a cultural phenomenon.
Where Are They Now?
Since the release of The Greatest Showman, the cast members have continued to thrive in their careers.
Many have gone on to star in blockbuster films, television shows, and stage performances, solidifying their status in the entertainment industry. Hugh Jackman and Zendaya, in particular, have remained dominant figures in both film and stage.
Meanwhile, breakout stars like Keala Settle and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II have expanded their horizons with diverse roles across genres.
In conclusion, The Greatest Showman was a platform that not only showcased the musical and acting talents of its diverse cast but also propelled many of them to even greater heights in their careers.
The combination of compelling performances, unforgettable music, and striking visuals ensured that the film remains a beloved piece of modern musical cinema.
FAQs
Q: Who plays the main character in The Greatest Showman?
A: Hugh Jackman portrays the lead role of P.T. Barnum, the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Q: Who plays the love interest of P.T. Barnum in The Greatest Showman?
A: Michelle Williams plays Anne Wheeler, the love interest of P.T. Barnum.
Q: Who are the other main cast members in The Greatest Showman?
A: Other prominent cast members include:
Zac Efron as Phillip Carlyle, a trapeze artist
Zendaya as Anne Wheeler, a trapeze artist and singer
Rebecca Ferguson as Jenny Lind, a Swedish opera singer
Keala Settle as Lettie Lutz, a bearded lady
Paul Sparks as Barnum’s rival, Phillip Carlyle’s father
Q: What is the musical style of The Greatest Showman?
A: The Greatest Showman features an original score with a contemporary pop and rock sound.
Q: What are some of the popular songs from The Greatest Showman?
A: Some of the most popular songs from the film include:
“The Greatest Showman”
“This Is Me”
“Never Enough”
“Come Alive”
“A Million Dreams”
Q: Did the cast of The Greatest Showman perform their own singing and dancing?
A: Yes, most of the cast members performed their own singing and dancing, showcasing their impressive talents.
Q: Was The Greatest Showman a box office success?
A: Yes, The Greatest Showman was a huge commercial success, grossing over $434 million worldwide.
Q: Did The Greatest Showman receive any awards?
A: The Greatest Showman received several awards, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song (“This Is Me”) and a Critics’ Choice Award for Best Visual Effects.
Q: Is there a sequel to The Greatest Showman?
A: As of now, there are no official plans for a sequel to The Greatest Showman. However, fans have expressed interest in seeing more of the story.
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