Jackman Won't Star in Soderbergh's 'Cleo'

Hugh Jackman has removed himself from discussions to star in Steven Soderbergh's 3-D live action musical "Cleo" alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones. Though no deal had been signed as the $30 million project was completing its financing, Soderbergh had asked "Traffic" star Zeta-Jones to play Cleopatra and was hoping Jackman would play her lover, Roman general Marc Antony. Insiders told Variety that the Oscar host's exit is due to a scheduling conflict, though it is unclear which other project he will pursue instead. Soderbergh has said he hopes to put rock n' roll songs by an indie rock band into the epic love story.