They are trying to produce a musical called `` Spectacular Spectacular '' , which the owner of the Moulin Rouge , Harold Zidler ( played by Jim Broadbent ) , plans to show at the cabaret . The Bohemians ' leader , Toulouse-Lautrec ( played by John Leguizamo ) , is pleased with Christian 's talent at writing and insists that he write their musical , `` Spectacular Spectacular '' . By happenstance , he encounters a troupe of performers led by Toulouse-Lautrec ( John Leguizamo ) ; his writing skills allow them to finish their proposed show , `` Spectacular Spectacular '' that they wish to sell to Harold Zidler ( Jim Broadbent ) , owner of the Moulin Rouge cabaret .