Jackman could hit new heights with Eagle-inspired song

HUGH Jackman and fast- rising British actor Taron Egerton are hoping to soar in the pop charts when a song they perform on the soundtrack of the forthcoming movie about skijumper Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards is released.

The number Thrill Me, written by OMD (Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark) and Gary Barlow, who also produced it, is used in the film’s end credits sequence.

Jackman, star of Les Miserables and X-Men, has won honours for his singing in musical shows. In fact, he’s about to embark on a major tour of his stage show in Australia.

But it wasn’t publicly known that Egerton, who became a star in the making with the success of comicbook spy film Kingsman, could carry a tune. The actor – who will play the title role – is regarded as a highly skilled tenor.

“Even though he can clearly sing, Taron had to be persuaded,” said Matthew Vaughn, producer of the film about Edwards, the British skijumper who was mocked for his last place result in the ski-jump at the 1988 Winter Olympics.

He was unfairly dissed by British sporting officials but his fearlessness, spirit and self-deprecating humour won over audiences around the world.

Edwards remains about the only ski-jumper whose name is instantly recognised by the British public.

“Hugh had to be persuaded to sing, too,” Vaughn added. Now, Vaughn and director Dexter Fletcher want to coax the two actors back into the studio to shoot a music video that will be released before the movie is launched on April 1.

The film also features Jim Broadbent, Christopher Walken and Tim McInnerny, but the two most poignant roles are played by Jo Hartley and Keith Allen, who portray Edwards’s parents.

Audiences who have seen rough cuts of the film have emerged with moist eyes. One executive who watched it says that she believes it will prove to be highly inspirational.

“It’s for all those kids who are told they’re never going to achieve what they’ve set their hearts on,” she added.

Barlow is also hoping to produce other new tracks for the movie. – Daily Mail

EAGLE: Hugh Jackman.