Do you hear the people sing? Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman have been confirmed for Universal’s latest filmic adaptation of Cameron Mackintosh’s musical rendition of Victor Hugo’s classic 19th Century novel Les Misérables – more layers than a mille feuille there.
Helmed by Academy Award winning director Tom Hooper of King’s Speech fame, the film/musical/novel follows the struggles of Jackman’s reformed convict protagonist, Jean Vajean, in his quest for redemption, all the while pursued by his tormented nemesis, Crowe’s Inspector Javert. In between there’s a whole lot of talk of revolution, unrequited love, prostitutes and a pretty stirring, life-changing musical score, as Susan Boyle would attest.
Other names rumoured to be attached to the project so far include Anne Hathaway as the ill-fated Fantine – supposedly at the recommendation of Jackman following their on-stage dalliance at the 2009 Academy Awards – and previous Les Mis alumni Geoffrey Rush and Helena Bonham-Carter as the villainous Thenardier couple. Also circulating on the rumour mill, Hayden Panettiere, Miranda Cosgrove, Lucy Hale, and Emma Watson as candidates to play Eponine and Cosette.
While Jackman’s musical theatre chops are well-established, it remains to be seen whether or not Crowe has the (Thirty Odd Foot of) grunt required of the role.
The film is slated for release on December 7th 2012, so, you know, unfold your banners and rally the troops.
