Why Was Ex-Soft Porn Filmmaker Recently Hired As AMPAS … 
ReelzChannel Cancels ‘The Big Picture’ After … 
Cillian Murphy Boards ‘In The Heart Of The Sea’ 
John Legend To Produce Comedy Project About Music Managers … 
Hot Trailer: ‘Crystal Fairy’ 
Sam Taylor-Johnson To Direct ‘Fifty Shades Of … 
Inside AMPAS Board Of Governors’ Meeting: Conflict Of … 
Hot Trailer: ‘The Spectacular Now’ 
Glenn Geller To Run Current Programming For CBS & CBS … 
Shailene Woodley’s Mary Jane Role Cut From ‘The … 
New ‘Star Wars’ Film Cast Breakdown Unveiled 
CAA Signs Florian Henckel Von Donnersmarck, Oscar-Winning … 
UPDATE: Dan Abrams Named New ‘Nightline’ Anchor … 
RATINGS RAT RACE: ‘The Voice’ Finale On Par … 
Joy Bryant Returns To Longtime Agent Steve Alexander At … 
ITV Pays $30M For Controlling Stake In ‘Hatfields … 
Hot Trailer: ‘Anchorman 2′ 
2ND UPDATE: Charlie Sheen Fired Selma Blair From … 
Time Warner Cable Sued For Passing Lakers-Dodgers Costs On … 
TOLDJA! ‘Dumb And Dumber To’ Proves No-Brainer … 
Relativity Moves Scott Cooper’s ‘Out Of The … 
EXCLUSIVE: Universal has landed Russell Crowe to play Javert to Hugh Jackman’s Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, the live-action adaptation of the Cameron Mackintosh-produced stage musical that will be helmed by The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper. Universal has slotted the film for release on December 7, 2012, right in the center of Oscar season.
The film is produced by Working Title Films’ partners Eric Fellner and Tim Bevan, along with Mackintosh and Debra Hayward. Liza Chasin is exec producer. William Nicholson wrote the script based on the classic novel and the stage play. The music is by Claude-Michel Schoenberg and Alain Boublil. Said Mackintosh: “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 and Russell Crowe as the two great protagonists Jean Valjean and 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 wait to hear the people sing at my local cineplex.”
This seemed to be in the cards when 20th Century Fox pushed back Wolverine 2 until at least the spring. The delay gives Jackman a chance to make Les Miserables, a film that will likely give Universal a horse in the 2013 Oscar race, and then reprise the role he originated in X-Men.
It’s the latest lead role for Crowe, who will star alongside Mark Wahlberg in the Allen Hughes-directed Broken City, and who is also starring in Man of Steel, the Superman reboot for Warner Bros.
The Working Title team has been developing the musical with Mackintosh for some time, and it comes after they solidified a re-team with Atonement helmer Joe Wright in Anna Karenina for Focus, and they are also coming off Senna, the documentary on the Formula One racing legend that will get a major Oscar-season push and which has grossed $7.5 million worldwide. Hooper’s repped by ICM, Jackman and Crowe by WME and Nicholson by CAA.
Loading ...
Based on the Cameron Mackintosh-produced stage musical and not the Victor Hugo novel? Why, why, why…
‘Cause they did that in ’98 with Liam Neeson…
they sure did. they already made the novel version its about time the musical was put on the big screen. having this along with phantom, the producers, hello dolly, etc coming to the big screen allows our children to be apart of the arts and not let the arts fall through the cracks. arts and music are being taken out of schools and broadway needs to live on!!!!
Hugo’s novel has been made into a movie many times. Go check one of them out if that’s what you want.
As far as Crowe goes…I hope he can sing. Javert has a few very vocally demanding songs, and frankly I’m surprised Hooper is trusting this part to someone who isn’t known for being able to sing. This seems like stunt casting to me, which isn’t good for the movie.
You’re obviously not a 30 Odd Foot of Grunts fan. RC belts out lead vocals.
“RC belts out lead vocals”
Yes, but not very well. He has a swooning female fan base that thinks he can sing. Perhaps it won’t matter.
Let’s not forget Rex Harrison could not sing a note and he starred in both the Broadway and movie version of MY FAIR LADY. With Les Miz requiring vocal demands of its performer, I can’t imagine Tom Hooper would trust Crowe with the role if he could not more than adequately perform the music. After all, this LES MIZ is more than a musical. It is all singing..no traditional dialouge. If it is written, it is sung.
You wouldn’t need to ask that if you ever heard any of his music. With a little professional musical training he will nail the role and music.
I’ve heard Crowe sing live, and he has made 4 records. He began his performing career as a teen singer, not an actor. His latest effort is available on iTunes and elsewhere, in a collaboration with Alan Doyle, lead singer of Great Big Sea. It’s called the Crowe/Doyle Songbook.
It’s reported elsewhere that Crowe was willing to audition for this part, and aced it. I’m sure, as with anyone making a major musical, he’ll have vocal coaching for his songs. There’s no question about his acting ability, bringing the obsessed Javert to life.
Thank you, Mimi, President of the Russell Crowe Fan Club. No matter how many fans buy his records for “the music” or how many CDs he releases Crowe still can’t sing. What he can do is sort of speak/sing the songs in a deep voice – which could be described as a sexy voice. I don’t know if that’s enough for the demands of this role.
Having heard a number of Crowe songs and actually having been embarrassed for him when he sang on The Tonight Show, I understand why his music is unheralded and generally not taken seriously.
And how long ago was it he sang on the Tonight Show ? He has a new album with Alan Doyle on iTunes. Have a listen – he has improved a LOT since teaming up with Doyle.
Russell Crowe has actually been singing for a while and he is very good at it.
Mr. Crowe actually has his own band, and it quite a talented singer, actually.
Because there are already two movies based on the book.
Actually, except for a few very minor changes, or rather, omissions, the musical of Les Miserables is the best adaptation of the novel I believe there is. The last movie that came out in 1998 was nowhere near as close to the book! The musical has been the most engaging and treasured adaptation of Hugo’s novel for just over 25 years, and it’s about time they made this movie. I can’t wait. I just hope that everyone they cast can sing their part and sing it well!
Lea Michele for the leading lady?
No, Lea Michele, please, way too stagey and obvious. She is a great singer but her acting is way too theatrical. IMO, she would be great on stage, not so great on screen. What about Emmy Rossum ? Or a complete unknown/potential relevation ?
I like the idea of Emmy for Cosette. Especially if the rumors about Anne Hathaway are true for Fantine. They have a similar look.
Why are we rehashing something that did poorly in 1998?
Seriously?!?! Maybe because it’s done $1billion worldwide business as a stage show. Head, butt….please separate.
That was based off the book only. Not the musical.
Les Mis is the longest-running musical in the WORLD. I think it’s pretty successful.
Personally, I’d rather see INDEPENDENCE DAY: THE MUSICAL.
Why not just remake The Fugitive? Less confusing for today’s moviegoers.
djp, you are right about Les MIserables , it does have that Fugitive feel to it. It also reminds me of Heat.
Lea Michele is directed to act way too theatrical on Glee. It is part of the character. I think she’d do fine as Cosette, but older Cosette doesn’t have a single solo number unless they supply her with a new one for the film. Further, I imagine she will be filming Glee at the same time as this shoots which probably disqualifies her for timing reasons. Please not Emmy Rossum. Her performance in Phantom is evidence why she shouldn’t get this.
They’ll probably throw in a new song or two for Oscar consideration. I just hope they get actors who can also sing. Hugh Jackman is great but Russell Crowe sounds like a sea lion.
Lea Michele is not a legit soprano, which is required to sing Cosette’s songs. I’d sooner see Emmy Rossum as Cosette rather than Lea Michele.
Actually, you are on the right track, The Fugitive was loosely based on Les Miserables.
cozette hardly sings anyway so whoever gets to play here doesn’t really matter. anne hathaway seems to be good as fontaine. eponine needs to have the whiny sound like she does in the original as well as later adaptations and the 25th anniversary so i hope they stick with that cause it works for her character.
Lea Michele would be Eponine, if anything!
I hope to God that she’s not. Lea Michele is the most overrated thing to come out of “GLEE.” Hundreds of other young girls can do a better job than she can as Eponine.
Lea Michele started her career as a little Cosette and almost played Eponine on Broadway. Emma Rossum has the vocal range for an older Cosette that I’m not sure Lea can do. Any rumors on who would be Marius?
If they bring back Nick Jonas, I’m not seeing this movie. He all but ruined the 25th anniversary concert for me.
I hope they go the Hairspray route and hire extremely talented unknowns for the younger roles, since they’ll have more than enough A-listers in the adult roles.
If Russell Crowe can sing more than rock n’ roll, I’m in. Heck, I was already in for Hugh Jackman, but as my ears have yet to recover from the torture of Gerry Butler destroying Phantom – Russell, PLEASE be able to SING THIS ROLE.
Oh yes, and producers: cast a great Eponine and Enjolras.
Oh, and don’t let Emmy Rossum near this production. Please.
The music in ‘Les Mis’ is closer to rock than it is to traditional Broadway. If it isn’t power ballad / pop-rock, what is it then?
Mr. Crowe will have no troubles.
Haha I hated Gerard Butler in Phantom too that was a nightmare. I’m having a hard time seeing this musical as a movie; maybe partly because in the musical there is almost literally no dialogue. 99% is straight singing so I’m guessing they’ll modify that a bit. And Broadway to film gone wrong can turn real corny real quick.
I just hope they go for the best talent in acting AND singing. This musical has a huge fanbase already so I hope they focus on casting people who really fit the roles perfectly instead of just casting big movie stars with questionable singing ability.
Since they wanted a movie star for Javert, I think Russell Crowe is a great choice, as he’ll bring the right amount of ferocity and menace to the role, and still be able to hit those low notes. And Jackman, of course, is perfect for Valjean. I also hear that Anne Hathaway is in talks for Fantine (which works for me, as she is the right age and can actually sing that song well) and Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffrey Rush are in talks for the Thernadiers. Again, all fine choices (though I still kind of wish Rush were playing Javert, since he was so brilliant as Javert in the 1998 movie, but maybe he just doesn’t want to repeat himself).
That being said: Please, PLEASE Tom Hooper, do NOT cast Disney/Nickelodeon stars as Eponine, Cosette, Marius, and Enjorlas. You now have plenty of movie stars in the film to open the movie, so there is no need to bring in flash-in-the-pan teen TV stars. Instead, please, please cast talented, unknown, classically trained Broadway actors and/or drama school students who can actually sing and act well. The film will be ruined if you don’t cast young actors who can actually sing and act well. Seriously.
Please let the rumors about the Thenardiers be true! Helena Bonham Carter and Geoffery Rush would ROCK as the Thenardiers! I can’t ask for better than that! Please let that be true! And yes – PLEASE no teen pop stars! That would destroy the whole thing and infuriate the fans of the musical. I think they have enough big names as it is.
Can Geoffrey Rush sing? If so there is absolutely no one else who can play the Innkeeper.
west end actors please this is a uk musical not american, we have perfectly good musical talent in london
If Russell is dedicated to nailing the role, he’ll get some vocal training. Quite frankly, having Jackman as a costar is likely a great motivator. I’ve been a fan of Russell’s music for several years now. 30 Odd Foot Of Grunts were a blast in concert. It’s when they became The Ordinary Fear Of God that my interest dropped a bit. Suddenly, this laid back, rowdy group of guys onstage were now dressed in suits, staring at the floor and no one but Russell interacted or even made eye contact with the audience, nor with one another. What a downer. The minute they go back to who they were in the early to mid 2000′s I’m there.
I’m a fan of Jackman and of ‘Les Miserables’ but Crowe has no range. His performances are invariably one note. He’s altogether too wooden for my liking. He’ll be no more than adequate as Javert.
Please, dear God, do NOT let Anne Hathaway anywhere near this project. That would kill my interest in this film stone cold dead. She’s a lightweight about whom I’ve never cared in any of the many roles I’ve seen her play.
Crowe invariably one-note ?
Right – Gladiator was just like The Insider. And A Beautiful Mind was just like Master and Commander.
I don’t think so.
Oh, I so agree with you about Crowe!! Except I’d say two-note, those being surly and more-surly!
Would be curious to know if you’ve since caught the movie or heard Anne Hathaway’s work as Fantine. Hard to imagine anyone doing much better as Fantine for a screen adaptation of the musical.
Neither Jackman or Crowe can act so this will be a camp classic.
Yes to Jackman and Crowe let the battle of guts and vocal chords commence! We are yet to witness a true genuine acting through song. Crowe always deliver authenticity to every character he plays. Let Javert rip his vengeance in an elevated form. Jackman can sing Valjean but let us dissect him frame by frame with the true enlightenment of his character.
… And while were at it convince me with the authenticity of a singing actor that I forgot they were singing at all. Let there be blind casting! If the male leads are Aussies bring the Pacific leading ladies, the multi background revolt of blind casting.
I would like to see a fresh cinematic vision, not a clone of the much-loved stage musical) of this new film version of Les Miserables – an excellent blend of drama and music. Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, hopefully, can give us memorable portrayals, dramatically- and musically-speaking, of the iconic Valjean and Javert! Each actor can provide the right counterpoint to each other’s talent.
As long as Crowe has the vocal chops then I’m ok.
I want to make sure that FANTINE, MARIUS, and EPONINE are cast appropriately.
Matt Williams should be cast as Thernadier.
Matt Williams???? I’m sure you meant MATT LUCAS.
I’m not super thrilled with this cast for several reasons.
The vocals required of the singer singing Valjean are probably the hardest in range, depth, and strength of any musical character in recent musical history. The actor portraying Valjean must disappear into the role so completely that he IS Valjean. I think this will be very, very difficult for Mr. Jackman. I saw him on Broadway in “The Boy from Oz” and he was Fantastic! The part was more song and dance man. The vocals were sung beautifully for what they were.The range from low note to high was no where near what it is for Valjean. Many men who have sung the role over the years have not been able to hit the high notes required and thus take away from the power of Valjean. I would hate to see the score rewritten to accommodate a singer’s shortcomings. For those who say a little while with a vocal coach will help range….sorry, vocal chords determine range, not coaching. As far as disappearing into the role of Valjean, I think that’s going to be quite difficult for an actor known worldwide as the Star of Action Movies. My feeling is the Movie would have been better served going with an unknown who could sing and act the role with conviction.So when you walk out of the theater #1. You Know who Jean Valjean is. and #2. You ask “who was that guy?” . The story is that compelling.
As far as Mr. Crowe’s casting as Javert goes, I’m sure he can play menacing to madness quite well. Singing “Stars” “The Confrontation”and “Javert’s Suicide” in a Rich Baritone? Difficult for a rock singer. This is Not a Rock Musical. Go see Million Dollar Quartet if that’s what you’re looking for. This is a Musical for Beautiful voices. It has been for 25 years.
I know the screenplay will bring in probably more detail from the book, but the musical really does follow the book pretty closely. I’ve read the book and seen the show numerous times. The story never gets old.
I wish those who are cast well. My wish is that they all read the book to prep. It will give insight into their characters not in the screenplay. If you want to see the musical done to perfection, I suggest all cast go to see Les Mis in London. You will learn something.
I’m not encouraged by this casting. The role of Valjean requires more in range, power, and nuance than any other musical lead. I’ve seen Jackman in “Oklahoma!” and “Boy from Oz,” and he’s a good light tenor, a “song and dance man,” but never heard anything to convince me he can do a credible Valjean. And at the risk of offending his fans, I’ve seen his other movies besides the X-Men, and haven’t been terribly impressed.
I fear that Universal will try to sex-up the role to attract Jackman’s fan base. Valjean is the hero of Les Mis, but he is definitely not the romantic lead. That’s Marius and Enjolras. But since Wm. Nicholson has already been quoted as saying he’ll be “improving” the musical, I can only imagine the worst.
And I also worry that songs will be rewritten or removed because of Jackman or Crowe’s limitations. Les Mis is a sung-through musical, beginning to end. I realize that adaptation is necessary for the move to film, and can expand or clarify, Hooper has already said that dialogue will be introduced. But the music has given the show its power for 26 yrs, removing it can turn pathos to pathetic.
In terms of themes, plot, vocal requirements, and characters Les Mis is closer to opera. With Jackman’s musical theater background, Crowe’s lack of training, and the stunt casting being discussed, movie goers might be seeing a musical come next December, but it may not be Les Miserables.
Hooper said DIALOGUE will be introduced??? WHAT??? No! That won’t work! That’s one of the cool aspects of Les Mis is that it’s sung from start to finish! How much more are they planning to change???
I also saw Hugh in The Boy from Oz…but I was also lucky to have seen him in Oklahoma! in London. He was Curly, the cowboy in love with Laurey and a tad jealous of Jud! He sang and performed quite impressively ( according to Light in the Piazza composer and Rodgers grandson Adam Guettel – he was very impressed with the way Hugh could segue between song and dialog and vice versa, to make it appear very natural to express oneself in song and words) and was actually nominated for an Olivier in that role. He wasn’t Wolverine then…although it seemed it was that performance which drew eventual XMEN producer Lauren Shuler Donner to cast him as the superhero. He has also done a few movies in which Jackman, the action movie hero, has disappeared in the roles ( Aronofsky’s The Fountain and Nolan’s The Prestige), so I have faith that he can do justice in interpreting the role of Valjean, especially so that another excellent actor Russell Crowe can provide the dramatic counterpoint to Hugh’s acting (and singing). I would like to see a fresh cinematic vision for this movie musical – not an exact clone to the stage musical! Thus the intention to introduce some spoken dialog to the movie ( according to screenwriter Bill Nicholson) is welcome news to me. I would like to see an interpretation of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece as an excellent blending of drama and music…and with strong character interpretations!
How about Andy Serkis or Alun Armstrong as Thénardier? Armstrong created the role and is still wonderful.
I guess it will be Geoffrey Rush in this role, given his association with Tom Hooper.
Alun Armstrong would be the ideal choice for Thenardier, seeing as he launched the role. I’m kind of surprised they didn’t ask him…or maybe they did. But I do think that Geoffery Rush will be PHENOMENAL. Plus, he has a similar look to Alun Armstrong anyway.
I could see Crowe and Jackman in opposite roles, given the book’s description of both characters, but at any rate, I’m glad that this musical is finally coming to the big screen, and I can roll with it.
I am extremely disappointed. Les Mis is my fav musical of all time, the greatest Javert, Colman WIlkinson has set the bar so high, it will be hard to top it. the recent 25 Anniversary was amazing, minus Joe Jonas who’s nasally voice almost ruined the entire thing until the original cast performed at the very end. There are plenty other captivating stories, they should focus on something original, or at least something that hasn’t been done a million times. The phantom with Gery Butler was passable, and Sweeney Todd was brilliant! Personally I don’t think Russle Crowe has done anything spectacular since The Gladiator. As for Les Mis, leave it to the Brits!!!
I AGree! This is way too much, I even heard a rumor that Justin Beiber was being considered for Marius, are you kidding me!!!!! This is way to much, love Hugh Jackman, but this shouldn’t be redone for at least another 10 years!!!!
Look up Hugh Jackman singing “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin” and you won’t doubt for one second that he IS Jean Valjean. Russell Crowe, on the other hand…I’m not sure. But I guess that’s something to look forward to. We’ll see if he can exceed expectations. And it’s finalized- Anne Hathaway will be Fantine, but look at it on the bright side, at least Fantine dies half way through. I love the idea of Helena Bonham Carter and Jeoffrey Rush as the Thenardiers! Think of how entertaining they will be. And also, what do you think of Samantha Barks as Eponine and Ramin Karimloo and Enjolras. I know, I know- they had their moments of fame in the 25th anniversary concert, but these two were fresh talent that deserve to play these roles. As for Marius, let’s hope some strapping young boy can pull this off.
I am SO VERY disappointed with the casting!
I had hoped that Alfie Boe would be cast as the lead and can’t understand why in heck Anne Hathaway was cast!!!
I’ve listened to Russell Crowe on Youtube and feel that he’ll do fine in the role but otherwise am disappointed.
I also would like to see very good UNKNOWNS in the movie besides the actors already mentioned. Jackman will be marvelous. I’m concerned about Crowe. Geoffrey Rush really doesn’t have to sing well for that role….he just needs to be able to ham it up and carry a tune. Someone in a previous reply said this was similar to rock? Not hardly. It is closer to opera and is quite challenging to sing. I hope it is a better adaptation than Phantom as well. Emme Rossum had a good voice but stiff acting and Butler had a great screen presence but couldn’t handle the singing. Total miscasting can ruin a show.
I absolutely loved the musical. However, having read the Victor Hugo novel on more than one occasion, I have to confess that the people that attend the musical are being robbed of the full power and story of Hugo’s vision France and Valjean and Javert’s struggle for redemption. Further, the intricate interplay of character backgrounds is completely discarded.
While it is true that many movie versions have been made of Hugo’s novel, I believe many have come close but they have all missed the mark. Too much of the story is always cut. Again, the public is being robbed of a cultural treasure. It sounds cliche, but read the book.
I so want this film to work! Please, please create a film I will want to watch over again. Please don’t use fashionable people just for the sake of box office. I bought film of the Phantom and have watched it once, whereas I have watched the 25th anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall many times. Please get this iconic stage musical right! listen to the composers! Please, learn lessons from Evita (Madonna had the score lowered, and lost it’s intensity) there are plenty of actresses who could have sung it, although why they didn’t have Elaine Paige, I will never know. It dumbed the whole thing down. They have one chance to make a fantastic film, I hope they don’t blow it. Hugh Jackman will be great, not so sure about Crowe, but we need proper musical actresses and actors, not teen pop stars, for the juvenile leads.
You should watch the 10th anniversary cast recording it puts the 25th to shame. The vocal acting and development in some of the roles makes a big difference.
Totally agree! well said