Report: Hugh Jackman to play Enzo Ferrari in biopic

Action movie star Hugh Jackman (at right, above) is the latest Hollywood heavyweight linked with the oft-delayed feature film chronicling the life of Enzo Ferrari. Robert DeNiro and Christian Bale had both previously been tipped to play the legendary founder of the Scuderia (pictured at left in 1920) in the movie scheduled to be directed by Michael Mann.

According to Deadline.com, which previously reported that the movie would be set in 1957 and focus on the rivalry between Ferrari and Maserati, Jackman – star of the "Wolverine" and "X-Men" blockbuster franchises – took over after Bale opted out of the role. Noomi Rapace ("Prometheus") is to play Ferrari's estranged wife Linda in the movie.

The movie is now expected to start production in 2018, for a theatrical release in 2019.