Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe to star in LES MISÉRABLES!

Enfin!!

Tom Hooper, Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe

Announcement from official site:
"Working Title's live-action film adaptation of Cameron Mackintosh's hit stage musical LES MISERABLES by Boublil and Schonberg will directed by Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) and written by William Nicholson. Universal Pictures are releasing the film worldwide.

The stage version of LES MISERABLES holds the record as the longest running musical in the world. To date is has been seen by nearly 60 million people in 42 countries and 21 languages. Last year, it celebrated it’s 25th anniversary.

Cameron Mackintosh commented, “Even though I have dreamt about making the film of LES MISERABLES 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 [Jean Valjean] and Russell Crowe [Inspector Javert]. 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 Pictures is indeed a dream come true and I can’t want to hear the people sing at my local cineplex.”

Unofficial reports for casting possibilities:
Geoffrey Rush (Thernadier)
Helena Bonham Carter (Mme. Thenardier)
Anne Hathaway (Fantine)
Hayden Panettiere, Miranda Cosgrove, Lucy Hale, and Emma Watson for the roles of Eponine and Cosette

US release date is set for December 7, 2012.

Thanks to chocolaticing for the update!
As much as I'm not typically a fan of Russell Crowe, I was rooting for him to get this role once I heard that Alfie Boe was no longer being considered. I'm excited to have Tom Hooper behind the wheel and eager to see how Hugh Jackman inhabits Valjean! Finally, this musical is on its way!

Previous updates on film

Russell Crowe hoping to be cast in Les Miserables?

We already heard mention of Hugh Jackman being up for a role in the upcoming Les Miserables musical film and now it's official - Jackman will be portraying prisoner 24601, Jean Valjean in Tom Hooper's film!

I was curious to read that Russell Crowe has expressed an interest in the role of Javert and have to admit that I would be keen on seeing him join the film. However, it sounds like Paul Bettany is likely to be cast as the determined inspector who tracks down Valjean.

I'm excited that Hooper (The King's Speech) will be at the helm and happy to hear that filming is expected to begin in February 2012!

Source: Baz Bamigboye

Hugh Jackman in talks for Les Mis?

Hugh Jackman is in talks to star in Universal and Working Title’s big-screen musical adaptation of Les Miserables, to be directed by The King’s Speech helmer Tom Hooper.

[THR]

Alfie Boe has been mentioned as a possibility for the role of Valjean but I could see how Jackman would appeal to the producers since he is already a recognizable face.

Update: Paul Bettany is being mentioned as a possible Javert...

What do you think?

Hugh Jackman and Neil Patrick Harris duet at the Tonys

Thought this was so fun!
Posting for those who might not have seen it...

Rise of the Guardians (2012)

DreamWorks press release:
The film features a group of heroes from various childhood stories - "North"/ Santa Claus (Alec Baldwin), "Bunnymund"/Easter Bunny (Hugh Jackman), "Tooth" the Tooth Fairy (Isla Fisher) and Jack Frost (Chris Pine) - who join together in an adventure to stop Pitch the Boogeyman (Jude Law) from sending the world into eternal darkness.

The film, scheduled for release on November 21, 2012, is based on "The Guardians of Childhood," a series of highly anticipated children's books by William Joyce.

Rise of the Guardians is being directed by Peter Ramsey and co-directed by William Joyce, produced by Christina Steinberg and Nancy Bernstein, written by Pulitzer Prize winner David Lindsay-Abaire and executive produced by Guillermo del Toro and Michael Siegel.

"It's a thrill to be working with such an all-star team of actors and filmmakers on Rise of the Guardians," commented Bill Damaschke, Chief Creative Officer at DreamWorks Animation. "When we bring Bill Joyce's imaginative vision to the screen in 2012, audiences will experience an incredible story with a truly epic sense of adventure."

More than a collection of the well-known childhood legends, Rise of the Guardians tells the story of a group of heroes — each with extraordinary abilities. When an evil spirit known as Pitch lays down the gauntlet to take over the world, the immortal Guardians must join forces for the first time to protect the hopes, beliefs and imagination of children all over the world.

IMDb

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