It's official: Hugh Jackman has joined the cast of Warner Bros. "Pan."
The Aussie actor confirmed the casting news to The Huffington Post while lighting the Empire State Building in green and gold for Australia Day on Friday (Jan. 24) in New York City, alongside his wife Deborra-Lee Furness.
"I'm very excited," Jackman said, smiling from ear-to-ear. "I love it. I love the director Joe Wright, I love working with Warner Bros. and I think this is just really exciting. It's a very cool project. And it's wonderful for my kids!" he added.
Variety was first to report that the Golden Globe-winning actor was set to star as Blackbeard in the flick based on the original tale of "Peter Pan." Garrett Hedlund is in talks to take on the role of Captain Hook.
As for his career, Jackman, 45, says he enjoys living in New York City because it offers him plenty of "opportunities."
"Australia is our home. We've been there, but New York has been our base for awhile. We love living here, the opportunities are incredible, particularly for my job," he told The Huffington Post. "It means I can work internationally and still be at home a lot more. You know, we miss Australia a lot, but New York is a great city and it's a great place to bring your kids up."
"But we go back to Australia a lot," Jackman continued. "I shot three movies here in the last five years, so we've been back there two-and-a-half years in the last five years. Deb and I feel we get the best of both worlds."
And despite being an Oscar-nominated actor, Jackman says he will never get over his good fortune.
"Back then, I grew up wishing I could travel and wishing someone would pay me to have a job where I could travel, so dreams come true," he said. "Be careful what you wish for."
Below, Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness "flip the switch" and light the Empire State Building green and gold.
"I'm extremely excited to have the privilege of lighting up the Empire State in our Aussie green and gold for Australia Day," Jackman said. "I'm such a proud Australian and it will give me great pleasure to share our colors around the world this Australia Day."
Before You Go
