Les Misérables (2012 film)
Les Misérables is an upcoming British musical film produced by Working Title Films and distributed by Universal Pictures based on the musical of the same name, which is in turn based on an 1862 French novel by Victor Hugo. The film is directed by Tom Hooper, written by William Nicholson, and stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne and Aaron Tveit.
Development of Les Misérables began in the late 1980s. After the musical's 25th anniversary concert, producer Cameron Mackintosh announced that the film resumed development. Hooper and Nicholson were approached in March 2011 and the main characters were cast in 2011. Principal photography of the film will commence in March 2012.
Les Misérables is scheduled to be released on 7 December 2012 in 2D.[2]
Premise
Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing bread, must flee from police Inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). The pursuit consumes both men's lives, and after two decades on the run, Valjean finds himself in the midst of the 1832 June Rebellion in Paris.
Cast
- Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, a Frenchman released from the Bagne prison after 19 years of imprisonment for stealing bread and failed attempts for escaping from the prison.[3]
- Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, a police inspector who releases Valjean on parole, then later dedicates his life to imprisoning him again.[3] Paul Bettany was also considered for the role.
- Anne Hathaway as Fantine, a struggling factory worker and mother of her illegitimate child, Cosette. She is eventually forced to turn to prostitution.[4][5][6] Amy Adams and Rebecca Hall were considered for the role.[7]
- Sacha Baron Cohen as Thénardier,[8] a thief running an inn and who takes Cosette in after Fantine can no longer care for her, though for his own monetary gain.[9] Geoffrey Rush was considered for the role.[10]
- Helena Bonham Carter as Mme. Thénardier, the unscrupulous wife of Thenardier.[11][12]
- Eddie Redmayne as Marius Pontmercy, a student revolutionary who is friends with Thenardiers' daughter, Éponine, but falls in love with Cosette.[13][14]
- Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, the leader of a student revolt and a friend of Marius.[15]
Amanda Seyfried is in final negotiations to portray the role of Cosette, the illegitimate daughter of Fantine who has grown into a beautiful woman under Valjean's care.[16] Taylor Swift has been offered the role of Éponine Thénardier, the pampered daughter of the Thénardiers who is in love with Marius.[17]
Production
A film adaptation of the musical has been in the works since the late 1980s. Alan Parker was reported to be attached to an adaptation at an early stage.[18]
In 1992, Mackintosh announced that the film would be directed by Bruce Beresford and co-produced by Tri-Star Pictures,[19] but this project was abandoned some time later.[20]
The DVD/Blu-ray release of Les Misérables in Concert - the 25th Anniversary confirmed an announcement of the musical's film adaptation.[21] Mackintosh has since stated at a press conference that the foundations for the film are currently being laid.
In March 2011, director Tom Hooper began negotiations to direct Les Misérables from a screenplay by William Nicholson, and to be produced by Cameron Mackintosh.[22] In June 2011, Working Title and Mackintosh began production of Les Misérables and that the film is scheduled to begin principal photography in 2012.[23] That same month, Hugh Jackman began negotiations to star as Jean Valjean, and Paul Bettany as Javert.[24][25] Other stars attached to the project include Anne Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter.[26]
On 9 September 2011, Jackman was confirmed to play Valjean and Russell Crowe is to play Javert.[27] Said Mackintosh, "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 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".[28]
On 17 October 2011, Cameron Mackintosh confirmed that Hathaway will play Fantine. He said, "I'd been hoping we could make a film on Les Misérables ever since it opened on Broadway... I've got a marvellous cast so far with Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert and Anne Hathaway as Fantine." He added, "We're busy casting the rest of the parts."[4]
On 1 November 2011, Eddie Redmayne joined the cast as Marius Pontmercy.[13]
On 23 November 2011, The Press Association published suggestions made by Cameron Mackintosh that the film may not be ready for release in 2012, rather 2013.[29] Mackintosh states that "I don't know how long it takes... we're certainly shooting through to the summer. I don't know how long it'll take us to do post production".
On 30 November 2011, it was reported that the shortlist of actresses for the role of Eponine included Lea Michele, Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson, and Evan Rachel Wood.[30]
An open casting call for the role of Cosette took place in New York City on 10 December 2011.[31]
On 6 December 2011, director Tom Hooper confirmed that the film would not be shot in 3D. "I can definitely announce it's good old-fashioned 2D," Hooper told the BBC at the British Independent Film Awards. He also added that the film would be approximately two and a half hours in length, and that the casting for Eponine and Cosette would be announced soon. [32]
On 8 December 2011, Sacha Baron Cohen reportedly joined the cast as Thenardier.[33] However, a source said that Cohen has not yet finalized a deal for the role.[8] That same day, Aaron Tveit was cast in the role of Enjolras.[15]
On 27 December 2011, Jackman confirmed that rehearsals for the cast members are scheduled to begin in January 2012 and principal photography will commence in March.[34] Later, a source confirmed that the cast will have to sing the songs live during filming, rather than using pre-recorded tracks.[35]
On 3 January 2012, Amanda Seyfried was offered to join the cast as Cosette[36] and Taylor Swift was offered the role of Eponine.[37]
See also
References
- ^ "Les Miserables (2012)". Box Office Mojo. Amazon.com. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lesmiserables2012.htm. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ "Les Miserables (2012)". Box Office Mojo. Internet Movie Database. http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=lesmiserables2012.htm. Retrieved 23 September 2011.
- ^ a b "Russell Crowe Joins Les Miserables". ComingSoon.net. 8 September 2011. http://www.comingsoon.net/news/movienews.php?id=81882. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
- ^ a b Cameron Mackintosh Confirms Anne Hathaway for LES MISÉRABLES Film
- ^ "Anne Hathaway in talks for 'Les Miserables' - Inside Movies - EW.com". Entertainment Weekly. 30 August 2011. http://insidemovies.ew.com/2011/08/30/anne-hathaway-les-miserables/. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
- ^ Bamigboye, Baz (23 September 2011). "Goosebumps for lunch: Francesca Annis to join Company musical". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2040804/BAZ-BAMIGBOYE-Francesca-Annis-sing-Ladies-Who-Lunch-number.html. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ Ayres, Tom (10 September 2011). "Russell Crowe, Hugh Jackman confirmed for 'Les Miserables'". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a339736/russell-crowe-hugh-jackman-confirmed-for-les-miserables.html. Retrieved 25 September 2011.
- ^ a b Sacha Baron Cohen in talks for 'Les Miserables'
- ^ Everybody Raise a Glass! Sacha Baron Cohen Joins Starry Les Miserables Film
- ^ "Anne Hathaway and Geoffrey Rush for Les Miserables Film?". TheatrePeople.com. 31 August 2011. http://www.theatrepeople.com.au/newsflash/anne-hathaway-and-geoffrey-rush-les-miserables-film. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
- ^ "Anne Hathaway and Geoffrey Rush for Les Miserables Film?". TheatrePeople.com. 31 August 2011. http://www.theatrepeople.com.au/newsflash/anne-hathaway-and-geoffrey-rush-les-miserables-film. Retrieved 10 September 2011.
- ^ Ayres, Tom (11 September 2011). "Helena Bonham Carter to join 'Les Misérables'". Digital Spy. http://www.digitalspy.com/movies/news/a339833/helena-bonham-carter-to-join-les-miserables.html. Retrieved 26 September 2011.
- ^ a b Eddie Redmayne lands 'Les Miserables' role
- ^ Les Miserables Adds Eddie Redmayne
- ^ a b Aaron Tveit Joins LES MISÉRABLES Film as Enjolras
- ^ Amanda Seyfried in final talks to play Cosette in 'Les Miserables'
- ^ Taylor Swift reportedly offered role of Eponine in "Les Mis" film
- ^ Schaefer, Stephen (18 October 1991). "Musical Chairs – Turning Musicals into Film – Les Miserables, Cats, and Phantom of the Opera Have Had a Hard Time Making It to the Big Screen". Entertainment Weekly. http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,315865,00.html. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ Press release (12 February 1992). "Cameron Mackintosh's Production of Les Misérables Celebrates Its 2,000th Performance on Thursday, March 5 and Its Fifth Anniversary". lesmis.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2006. http://web.archive.org/web/20061023004140/http://www.lesmis.com/pages/news/press_2_12_92.html. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ "Les Miserables Hits Hollywood". contactmusic.com. 2 October 2005. http://www.contactmusic.com/new/xmlfeed.nsf/story/les-miserables-hits-hollywood. Retrieved 6 March 2011.
- ^ (in English) Les Misérables in Concert: The 25th Anniversary (Blu-Ray). London, England: Universal Pictures. 29 November 2010. "Coming Soon – Universal Pictures proudly announce the musical motion picture of Les Misérables: A Working Title-Cameron Mackintosh Film"
- ^ "Hooper to direct 'Les Miserables' - The Times of India". The Times Of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-interviews/Hooper-to-direct-Les-Miserables/articleshow/7791731.cms.
- ^ Bamigboye, Baz (17 June 2011). "dailymail.co.uk". Daily Mail (London). http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2004473/Miss-Daisy-hits-West-End-James-Earl-Jones-Vanessa-Redgrave.html#ixzz1PWHa5Rqr.
- ^ "Hugh Jackman in Talks to Star in 'Les Miserables' Adaptation". The Hollywood Reporter. 15 June 2011. http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hugh-jackman-talks-star-les-202114. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- ^ Fleming, Mike. "If Hugh Jackman Plays Jean Valjean, Will Paul Bettany Play Javert In ‘Les Miserables’? –". Deadline.com. http://www.deadline.com/2011/06/if-hugh-jackman-plays-jean-valjean-will-paul-bettany-play-javert-in-les-miserables/. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- ^ http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a337724/anne-hathaway-russell-crowe-to-star-in-les-miserables.html>
- ^ "Hugh Jackman Is Russell Crowe's Quarry in Les Miserables Film". Playbill.com. 2011-09-09. http://www.playbill.com/news/article/154412-Hugh-Jackman-Is-Russell-Crowes-Quarry-in-Les-Miserables-Film. Retrieved 2011-10-29.
- ^ Fleming, Mike. "Universal Gets Russell Crowe And Hugh Jackman For ‘Les Miserables,’ Sets December 7, 2012 Release –". Deadline.com. http://www.deadline.com/2011/09/universal-sets-december-7-2012-release-date-for-les-miserables-with-hugh-jackman-and-russell-crowe/. Retrieved 29 October 2011.
- ^ http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5geX_jJE2A0CSS1EVe-YLfWeRTbLw?docId=N0785211321894559269A
- ^ 'Les Miserables' Competition: Taylor Swift, Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson & Evan Rachel Wood
- ^ Want to Be Cosette in the LES MIS Film? Open Call 12/10 in NYC
- ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16032642
- ^ http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/showbiz/film/3985581/Sasha-Baron-Cohen-lands-part-in-Les-Misrables.html
- ^ "Hugh Jackman Confirms LES MISÉRABLES to Begin Rehearsing in January, Film in March". Broadway World. 27 December 2011. http://broadwayworld.com/article/Hugh-Jackman-Confirms-LES-MISRABLES-to-Begin-Rehearsing-in-January-Film-in-March-20111227. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ O'Connell, Sean (28 December 2011). "Les Miserables Cast Members Told They'll Have To Sing Live On Camera". Cinema Blend. http://www.cinemablend.com/new/Les-Miserables-Cast-Members-Told-They-Have-Sing-Live-Camera-28545.html. Retrieved 1 January 2012.
- ^ Brown, Todd (3 January 2012). "Breaking: Amanda Seyfried Offered Cosette in Tom Hooper's Les Miserables". Twitch. http://twitchfilm.com/news/2012/01/breaking-amanda-seyfried-offered-cosette-in-tom-hoopers-les-miserables.php. Retrieved 3 January 2012.
- ^ Amanda Seyfried & Taylor Swift Complete LES MISERABLES Film Cast
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