Hugh Jackman will play Jean Valjean and Russell Crowe will play Javert in Working Title’s live-action film adaptation of Les Misérables. The film will be directed by Tom Hooper, renowned for directing The King’s Speech, and this adaptation will be written by William Nicholson. It will be produced by Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner with Cameron Mackintosh and Debra Hayward. Liza Chasin is the executive producer. Universal Pictures are releasing the film worldwide and the US release date is set for 7 December 2012.
No other casting has been confirmed as yet but Anne Hathaway has been offered the role of Fantine and Helena Bonham Carter has been asked to play Madame Thénardier.
After much speculation as to who would be cast as Javert, Russel Crowe auditioned in New York last week in front of Tom Hooper, Cameron Mackintosh, Alain and Claude-Michel, among others.
Cameron Mackintosh commented: Even though I have dreamt about making the film of Les Misérables for over 25 years, I could never have imagined that we would end up with the dream director Tom Hooper and the dream cast of Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe. Not only were they born to play these roles vocally but they thrillingly inhabit this great score. Producing this film with Eric Fellner, Working Title and Universal Picture is indeed a dream come true and I can’t wait to hear the people sing at my local cineplex.
