Geez, it's been a whole month since the last update on Tom Hooper's star-studded musical "Les Miserables" that has Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne already on board. But here comes some news sure to get the die hard fans riled-up all over again.
According to the NY Post, the filmmakers are zeroing in on their Eponine and Taylor Swift, Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood are in the mix to take on the role. It's a pretty interesting mix, which seems to stick with the star power route everyone is taking with this movie. And we have to say, Wood might be the best fit for the part out of this bunch. She showed off her admirable skills in "Across the Universe," has got acting chops to spare and hell, even when covering Justin Beiber at karaoke she's impressive. As for Swift, she can sing, but her limited screen experience (she had a small role in "Valentine's Day" and has a voice role in the upcoming "The Lorax") might be an issue, and jumping to an Oscar-baiting film seems like a stretch. Michele has both acting experience and singing chops, but we don't quite see the "Glee" star in the part for whatever ineffable reason. Finally, ScarJo certainly has acting talent and she can sing, but while she's proven she can be breathy and sultry on record, the real limits of her voice are yet to be tested.
That said, all have apparently auditioned with Michele being the one that "knocked it out of the park." Of course, that could just be her own reps spinning the story, but then again, she also has a leg up because she's done this musical on Broadway before in the role of young Cosette.
So, who should it be? The other question, is which one of these ladies would be most believable opposite Redmayne, who will be the love interest, and again, Wood seems to be the better choice. With production gearing up soon, we'll likely start hearing more any day now. "Les Miserables" will hit theaters and gun for Oscar gold on December 7, 2012.
I've been rooting for Lea Michele from the beginning. She knows the role being that she has played it before, she knows the show itself since she has been in different productions, including Broadway as young Cosette. She has the greatest vocal talent, and i do not believe she would overact it because while she may play a crazy, over dramatic character on Glee, that does not mean she would do the same here. She was phenomonal as Wendla on Spring Awakening, which is a dramatic role, and was awesome as Eponine in the Hollywood Bowl. If Taylor Swift gets this role i refuse to see the movie. She cannot play Eponine. After Lea i'm rooting for the director to get Samantha Barks from the UK to play the role!!
Evan Rachel Wood all the way….I can't stand Lea Michele, and Taylor Swift does NOT have the range for Eponine.
I agree with Isabel… I think Lea would overact, and would make Eponine's death too theatrical. Evan has a lovely voice (I really likes her in Across the Universe) and she is a great actress, which is also required for a role like this. Lea has the best voice of the 4 of them, but Evan is better in general 🙂
This is some super depressing play where everybody dies, right? I don't think I'll be seeing this.
Lea Michele for older Cosette and Taylor Swift for Eponine, but Evan Rachel Wood is the favourite for the role. Or they could just do unknowns.
Sigh. One more fan piling on about Lea Michele's history with the show (sorry, Kevin! it's probably getting annoying!): she performed as Young Cosette for the Broadway production a long time ago, and then was actually offered the role of Eponine in 2006. She turned it down ultimately, deciding to remain with Spring Awakening for its Broadway transfer.
I don't know much about what Lea has been like since Spring Awakening (apparently she's a big diva now?) but I liked her a lot as Wendla in that show, and she has proven many times over that she has the vocal skills — and the experience — for the role. Honestly, I feel like she would be the most reasonable casting choice, and I'm legitimately not sure how she and Taylor Swift are being mentioned in the same sentence here.
I have been rooting for Michele since this has started, so I choose her. If not her, then Wood.
taylor swift seriously? seriously!?
please Scarlett or Evan Rachel Wood. I can't stand Lea Michelle…
You guys know Lea Michele played young Cozette in the Broadway revival over a decade ago, right?
There is no doubt that Lea Michele is the front runner at the singing. I wouldnt say her reps said that. If i am not mistaken, she already played this role on broadway. Evan Rachel Wood is good too,but i would prefer if they do some auditions. Try to find some girl with perfect look. I like Evan Rachel Wood…. but i dont know…
i watched lea michele as ephonine at hollywood bowl concert and she was amazing talented, i'm rooting for lea.