By Anna Wilczek

Steven Soderbergh plans to make a 3-D rock ‘n’ roll style musical about Cleopatra.

Madness?

Or intriguing?

Soderbergh is reportedly pursuing Catherine Zeta Jones to play the famous Queen, and Hugh Jackman to co-star as her tragic lover Marc Antony.

With her exotic looks and dark hair, Zeta Jones is a dead ringer for Cleo (the film’s working title), and Jackman’s old fashioned Hollywood style will surely translate to the role of Antony. Most importantly, both have proved they can sing: Jackman in Happy Feet and Oklahoma, and Zeta Jones in Chicago and a short (albeit ill fated) pop career.

Cleopatra has had a very checkered film history. The budget for Mankiewicz’s lavish 1963 version, starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, spiralled out of control until it became one of the most expensive movies ever made (300 million+ when adjusted for inflation today). It almost sunk Fox completely, before eventually recouping its costs over the years.

Cleo though looks likely to be a very modern musical along the same lines as Moulin Rouge, and will hopefully emulate the latter’s success. The “rock ‘n’ roll” music for the film has been written by indie band Guided By Voices.

Soderbergh’s next project, Che (or Guerilla is it is also known), is due for release early 2009.

Sources: Variety