The recent film The Greatest Showman has taken America by storm, and we’ve rounded up a few of the coolest behind-the-scene facts of this inspiring blockbuster.
1. The movie’s iconic music is created by songwriters of La La Land and Dear Evan Hansen
Long before the writing duo Justin Paul and Benj Pasek won a Golden Globe and an Oscar for La La Land ( and a Tony Award for Dear Evan Hansen) they have been working on songs for The Greatest Showman (hardly anybody knew them at that time). Their lyrics struck an emotional and poignant tone with the audience, sending a powerful message of hope, love, pride and determination. They have done a truly marvelous work in creating music that is catchy, memorable and meaningful.
2. Zendaya performed all her own trapeze stunts without stunt doubles or safety nets
This talented young actress told a story on Jimmy Fallon about a time she freaked out because the actual height on set was way much higher than she had expected when she was training, plus there was no safety net beneath her. Then Hugh Jackman suddenly sidled up to her and told her “Zendaya, you’re a badass.” That was all she needed to get over her fears and perform her routine, and the rest is history. She even sang the beautiful duet “Rewrite the Stars” with Zac Efron in the movie.
3. Rebecca Ferguson voice as opera singer Jenny Lind was dubbed by Loren Allred
The red-headed actress plays legendary opera singer Jenny Lind aka The Swedish Songbird, who catches the eye of PT Barnum. While Rebecca does indeed have a background education in music, the powerful vocals were actually provided by a previous singer Loren Allred, who was on Team Adam in The Voice USA.
Loren Allred, the real voice of Jenny Lind in The Greatest Showman.
4. Keala Settle’s viral song “This is Me” created a wave of Youtube covers and dance numbers. (Plus it’s been nominated for an Oscar!)
“Another round of bullets hits my skin / Well, fire away, cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in”
Keala Settle performed on Broadway before being cast as the Bearded Lady Lettie Lutz in The Greatest Showman. Countless artists started a craze of creating their own rendition of this Golden-Globe winning song, ranging from modest versions in personal recording studios, to full out staged-performances with elaborate costumes and dance choreography. Keala Settle was even invited on the Ellen Show to perform her song alongside Amanda LaCount, an aspiring actress and dancer that is breaking the body stereotype in Hollywood.
20th Century Fox has employed a huge marketing strategy to promote The Greatest Showman, presenting a “This is Me” Challenge” for young artists to participate. (The judges were the main cast of The Greatest Showman: Keala, Hugh, Zendaya and Zac)
17 brilliant singers from all around the world were invited and gathered at recording studio Youtube Space London to film a YouTubers music video, featuring appearances from Keala Settle, Hugh Jackman and Conchita.
Todrick Hall performed an elaborate one-man show, switching between four roles to create this amazing The Greatest Showman mashup video.
The famous dance company in LA, Hamilton Evans Choreography, compiled a series of clips of his dancers performing to “This is Me.”
This movie is particularly special in an era of empowerment, combating against stereotypical body images and giving a voice to the marginalized outcasts. It does not merely entertain us with glamorous visual effects and emotional story-lines, but also a way to have self-awareness on our thoughts and actions toward people around us. While it is an inspirational dream-come-true story with a star-studded cast, The Greatest Showman is certainly opening up conversations on discrimination, injustice, confidence and identity that we can question ourselves critically.