<P> The Greatest Showman is a 2017 American musical film directed by Michael Gracey in his directorial debut , written by Jenny Bicks and Bill Condon and starring Hugh Jackman , Zac Efron , Michelle Williams , Rebecca Ferguson , and Zendaya . The film is inspired by the story of P.T. Barnum 's creation of the Barnum & Bailey Circus and the lives of its star attractions . </P>
who is the movie the greatest showman based on
P.T. Barnum