Hugh Jackman is set to star in biopic based on Enzo Ferrari.

Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness

Hugh Jackman and Deborra Lee Furness

The 48-year-old actor is in talks to take on the lead role of the late Italian motor racing driver and entrepreneur - who died in 1988 - in a biopic helmed by 74-year-old filmmaker Michael Mann, whilst Noomi Rapace will reportedly play his on-screen estranged wife Linda.

According to Deadline, the dark-haired hunk - who is known for playing the metal claw-bearing mutant Wolverine in 'X-Men' - will be set in 1957 and will depict the life of the late race car designer, his career and rivalry with his competitors Maserati, as well as his relationship with his partner.

Mann started working on the movie with the late director Sydney Pollock almost two decades ago, and had reportedly lined up Christian Bale - who was cast as Batman in 'The Dark Knight' - to play the lead role, which failed to go ahead because he was apprehensive about gaining weight to play the automobile legend.

Although the production has been on hold for 17 years, it is believed filming for the film will start in the summer of next year.

Meanwhile, Jackman - who is married to Deborra-Lee Furness - can be seen in 'Logan', which marks his final appearance in the franchise, although he will be returning to the big screen as he stars in 'The Greatest Showman' alongside 'Manchester by The Sea' actress Michelle Williams and 'Baywatch' hunk Zac Efron.

And Rapace, 34, - who featured in the 2014 crime drama 'The Drop' alongside Tom Hardy - has a busy work schedule as she is set to appear in the upcoming thriller 'Unlocked' with Orlando Bloom, Will Smith's 'Bright' and the follow up in the 'Alien' franchise 'Alien: Covenant' alongside Michael Fassbender, Danny McBride and Katherine Waterstone.