Casting for the upcoming film adaptation of LES MISÉRABLES is just about complete, with Hugh Jackman taking on the role of Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe squaring off as Javert. Also announced in recent weeks have been Sacha Baron Cohen as Thernardier, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier.
Today, Twitchfilm.com has reported and BroadwayWorld.com has confirmed that offers are now out to country-pop singer Taylor Swift for the role of Eponine and to the opera-trained Mamma Mia! film star Amanda Seyfried as Cosette.
Universal has reportedly offered both the roles after months of speculation about both parts, with both stars expected to, but not yet signed.
As BroadwayWorld previously reported, Broadway veteran and GLEE star Lea Michele, Tony winner Scarlett Johansson, and film veteran Evan Rachel Wood were all also vying for the role of Eponine; official cast announcements should be forthcoming, as the film begins rehearsals at the end of this month.
Les Miserables originally opened in London at the Barbican Theatre on 8 October 1985, transferred to the Palace Theatre on 4 December 1985 and moved to its current home at the Queen's Theatre on 3 April 2004. When LES MISÉRABLES celebrated its 21st London birthday on 8 October 2006, it became the World's Longest Running Musical, surpassing the record previously held by "Cats" in London's West End. In January 2010, the West End production broke another record by celebrating its historic 10,000th performance.
The film will begin filming in March under the direction of Tom Hooper. All cast members will be singing live on film and the release date is currently set for December 7, 2012.
