In an exciting crossroads of cruise and entertainment news, Cunard has announced that the world premiere of 20th Century Fox's "The Greatest Showman" will take place on its Queen Mary 2.
In partnership with the cruise line and film studio, the Hollywood red carpet event will be hosted aboard the ocean liner during December 2017.
The movie musical stars Hugh Jackman, Michelle Williams, Zac Efron, Rebecca Ferguson and Zendaya. It features original numbers from Oscar- and Tony-winning duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul. Written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon and directed by Michael Gracey, the film tells the tale of P.T. Barnum and his creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus.
It just so happens that the real-life Barnum frequented Cunard ships during his life, crossing the Atlantic Ocean between New York and England. In 1850 onboard the Cambria, he and opera singer Jenny Lind (the "Swedish Nightingale")-invited to be a part of his show-were welcomed by nearly 40,000 fans pier-side in New York.
"Queen Mary 2 is the perfect stage for our world premiere of 'The Greatest Showman,'" said Zachary Eller, Executive Vice President, Marketing Partnerships, 20th Century Fox, in a press release.
"Not only is there a real tie to P.T. Barnum's affinity for sailing Cunard, but Queen Mary 2 also provides that perfect touch of dazzle and wonder that brilliantly complements the essence of the film."
Cementing its connection to Cunard even further, parts of the new movie were even filmed in the line's original U.S. headquarters-the Italian Renaissance-style building at 25 Broadway in lower Manhattan. Other scenes were also captured in Brooklyn where Queen Mary 2 homeports appropriately enough.
The formula is in keeping with Cunard's hosting of celebrities as well as presenting other such enrichment.
Everyone from Elizabeth Taylor and Rita Hayworth, to Wes Anderson and Tilda Swinton have sailed aboard the cruise line. Sting even performed in Queen Mary 2's Royal Court Theatre. Plus, Carly Simon filmed her "Moonlight Serenade" DVD on the line, and Francis Ford Coppola similarly worked onboard.
Those interested in seeing how the cruise industry has influenced Coppola's art might be interested in watching his 2009 film "Tetro," which involves a character who is a waiter onboard a ship. Bennie is played by Alden Ehrenreich of recent emerging fame. (He is the actor playing a young Han Solo in the highly anticipated upcoming "Solo: A Star Wars Story.")
For those looking forward to catching "The Greatest Showman", Cunard in collaboration with 20th Century Fox has a public sweepstakes for the chance to attend the premiere with a guest.
The film debuts on Christmas Day, December 25, 2017.
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