Hugh Jackman Confirms Role in LES MIS Film

Hugh Jackman confirmed today his participation in the upcoming musical film version of LES MISERABLES. 

"I've always loved movie musicals," Jackman told Toronto's 98.1 CHFI. "So I would love to do one of those one day - and it looks like that's coming true, because I'm going to do Les Miserables the movie musical next year," he added.

Jackman brings a combination of stage and film experience to LES MIS; he won a 2004 Tony Award, Drama Desk, Drama League, Outer Critics Circle and Theatre World awards for Best Actor in a musical for his portrayal of the 1970s singer-songwriter Peter Allen in The Boy From Oz. Previous theater credits include Carousel at Carnegie Hall, Oklahoma! at the National Theater in London (Olivier Award nomination), Sunset Boulevard (MO Award - Australia's Tony Award) and Disney's Beauty and the Beast (MO Award nomination). From 2003 through 2005 he hosted the Tony Awards, winning a 2004 Emmy for Outstanding Individual Performer in a Variety, Musical or Comedy program. Mr. Jackman made his first major U.S. film appearance as Wolverine in the first installment of the X-Men franchise, a role he reprised in the enormously successful X2 and 2006's X-Men: The Last Stand. In 2009, Jackman took on the Oscar host as he fronted the 81st Annual Academy Awards.

Though specifics weren't discussed, Jackman had been rumored to be in talks for the lead role of Jean Valjean. As for taking on one of the most iconic and well known musicals of all time, Jackman knows he'll have a lot to live up to, saying that LES MIS is "One I'll need to bring my A-game for."

LES MISÉRABLES 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.

Cameron Mackintosh is currently developing the film of LES MISÉRABLES with Working Title and Universal. Tom Hooper ('The King's Speech') is set to direct, and no casting has yet been officially announced by the production. Hear the full interview here, and keep with the latest LES MIS news by clicking here!