Tom Hooper's 'Les Misérables' may star Hugh Jackman and Paul Bettany
Hugh Jackman and Paul Bettany could both star in the musical adaptation of ‘Les Miserables’ from director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech). But will ‘The Wolverine’ affect Hugh Jackman’s schedule?
The world's longest running musical, 'Les Misérables,' was performed at the Queen's Theatre in London in 2007. 'Les Misérables' will be adapted for the big screen by 'The King's Speech' director, Tom Hooper.
Alex Waters/Mirrorpix/Newscom/ File
Having secured an Academy Award for his direction on The King’s Speech, Tom Hooper is now readying himself for the task of adapting the Broadway musical version of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables for the big screen – with two time Oscar-nominee William Nicholson (Gladiator, Elizabeth: The Golden Age) handling the scripting duties.
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Hugh Jackman has reportedly begun talks to star in the film as the famous convict Jean Valjean, which would provide the X-Men star an opportunity to show off his Tony Award-winning song and dance skills to moviegoers. Are you ready to see Wolverine belt out some showtunes?
On a more serious note: THR has confirmed that Jackman is in the midst of hammering out a deal that would see him appear in Hooper’s musical. Deadline has also reported that Paul Bettany (Priest) tested for the role of Inspector Javert, the officer who essentially devotes his life to tracking down Valjean after he breaks parole. So the two actors could potentially square off against one another (by singing, rather than duking it out) in Les Miserables.
However, the recent news that James Mangold is all but a lock to direct The Wolverinecould throw a wrench in the mechanics of Jackman’s Les Miserables deal. The plan is for production on Hooper’s film to begin overseas in Europe before the end of 2011 – which could conflict with Fox’s originally-planned production timetable on Wolverine 2.
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