Hugh Jackman is in talks to play the villainous Blackbeard in Warner Bros.' Peter Pan origin story Pan. The studio offered the role to Javier Bardem last month, although he passed on the project.

The story follows young orphan Peter Pan, who is taken to Neverland for the first time, where he becomes a hero to the locals while leading a rebellion against the pirates. Captain Hook will also be featured, although he starts off as an ally to Peter before turning bad. The studio had been looking at Ryan Gosling for the Hook role, although he is not involved in the project. Warner Bros. plans on holding a nationwide casting search for the title character, while also seeking an actress in her mid-20s to play Tiger Lily.

Joe Wright (Anna Karenina) is directing from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs (Flipper), with Greg Berlanti producing. No production schedule was given.

Hugh Jackman had been in discussions for a number of other projects before being apprached for Pan, including a remake of The Incredible Mr. Limpet for Warner Bros. While the actor isn't known for taking on villain roles, his dark, edgy performance in this year's Prisoners has drawn high praise from critics.