Warren Beatty and Annette Bening 'wary' as daughter Ella plays lovers with 'flirtatious' Hugh Jackman

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hugh Jackman has been getting close to Warren Beatty and Annette Bening’s daughter, Ella Beatty, while performing alongside her in a new Off-Broadway play.

The veteran stars are said to be cautious about the bond forming between the 56-year-old actor and their 25-year-old daughter during rehearsals and performances.

Warren Beatty and Annette Bening ‘keeping close tabs’ on Ella and Hugh Jackman

'In Sexual Misconduct of the Middle Classes', Hugh Jackman plays a thrice-divorced professor who begins an affair with a 19-year-old student, portrayed by Ella Beatty.

The production features several intimate scenes, reportedly making Ella’s parents nervous.

“Warren and Annette are keeping close tabs on the situation,” an insider told Radar Online.

“They're protective of their daughter and know all too well how these things go. They're not accusing Hugh of anything, but they're keeping an eye out and aren't taking chances," added the insider.

Hugh Jackman’s backstage behavior with Ella Beatty raises eyebrows

According to the source, Hugh Jackman presents a polished image around Ella Beatty’s parents but behaves differently behind the scenes.

“He plays up the gentleman act when they're around, but there's plenty of buzz about how flirtatious he's been with Ella during this whole process,” the source said.

Jackman split from his wife of 27 years, Deborra-Lee Furness, in September 2023. Since then, he has been romantically linked to Sutton Foster, 50, his co-star from 'The Music Man'.

However, their relationship has reportedly been strained due to conflicting schedules, and now, Jackman is said to be enamored with Ella.

“Of course, Hugh would insist he's only being friendly and doing his job to build the connection they need to give a great performance on stage,” the insider added. “After all, he and Ella play very passionate lovers – it’s intense.”

Annette Bening and Warren Beatty fear Hugh Jackman’s ‘fame and status’ may sway Ella

Despite their concerns, Beatty and Bening didn’t stop Ella from taking on the challenging role.

Still, they’re cautious about how Jackman’s fame could affect their daughter.

“They’re very proud of her and her talent, but they are wary and don’t want to see life imitating art,” the source said.

“Warren and Annette have been around the business a long time and they know how these things can go and how intoxicating someone with Hugh’s fame and status can be,” the source continued.

“They've always been helicopter parents and that hasn't stopped. Even though Ella is in her mid-20s, they still see her as their little girl that needs protecting," said the insider.