Samantha Barks To Play Eponine In Tom Hooper’s ‘Les Misérables’

Deadline are reporting that Samantha Barks has landed the much coveted role of Eponine in Tom Hooper’s (The King’s Speech) live-action adaptation of Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel and stage musical ‘Les Misérables.’ While Barks is a newcomer to the big screen, she starred as Eponine in the London production of Les Misérables in 2010 and reprised the role in the 25th anniversary concert held at the O2 Arena last year. The cast for the film is top-notch, it features Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Aaron Tveit as Enjolras, and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. Both Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are rumoured to be joining the musical epic as Monsieur Thenardierto and Madame Thénardier respectively. ‘Les Misérables’ is scheduled for release December 7th in the US, and January 11th in the UK.

Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King’s Speech‘s Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne, with further casting to be announced.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

In December 2012, the world’s longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper’s sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo’s epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs–including “I Dreamed a Dream,” “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More” and “On My Own”–Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.