The Greatest Showman (2017)

Overview

The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical period drama film directed by Michael Gracey, written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon, and featuring original songs by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. The film is a heavily fictionalized biography of P.T. Barnum, the visionary showman who rose from nothing to create the Barnum & Bailey Circus, a spectacle that became a worldwide sensation. Starring Hugh Jackman as Barnum, the cast includes Zac Efron, Michelle Williams, Rebecca Ferguson, and Zendaya. The film was released by 20th Century Fox on December 20, 2017.

Plot

The story follows P.T. Barnum (Hugh Jackman), a poor tailor's son who dreams of making a name for himself. After losing his job, he starts a museum of oddities, hiring performers who are outcasts from society. Despite initial ridicule, the show becomes a hit. Barnum's ambition leads him to partner with playwright Phillip Carlyle (Zac Efron) and pursue a tour with the famous Swedish singer Jenny Lind (Rebecca Ferguson), straining his relationship with his wife Charity (Michelle Williams) and his troupe. Ultimately, Barnum learns that true success lies in family and the joy he brings to his performers.

Reception

The film received mixed reviews from critics but was a box office success, grossing over $459 million worldwide against an $84 million budget. It won the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song for "This Is Me" and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song. The soundtrack became a bestseller.

Franchise Chronology

The Greatest Showman is a standalone film and does not have sequels, prequels, or spin-offs. It is not part of a larger franchise.

Where to Watch

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