Hollywood actor Hugh Jackman has reportedly signed on to star in a new film centred around British Olympian Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards.

The Australian actor, whose numerous roles include Wolverine in the X-Men movies, will play the ski jumper's mentor Chuck Berghorn.

According to the Daily Mail, Jackman will star alongside youngster Taron Egerton, who will play Edwards and tell his story of how he went on to compete at the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary.

Reports have claimed that Jamie Bell and George MacKay were among the actors considered for the role of Edwards.

The sportsman was the first Brit to compete in an Olympic ski jumping event, but failed to get on the podium.