Not quite to the “it’s official” stage but very close: Hugh Jackman is in talks to play Jean Valjean when the the musical Les Mis is filmed. He certainly has the acting and singing chops- and the dancing, not that Valjean dances- and you can imagine him as a man with super human cart lifting strength.
Still, I say “age before beauty”: I’d rather it be Colm Wilkinson.
What say you?
Perfect choice. I love Jackman. He’s one of the best actors currently working. I just wish he’d extend his range a little from the big budget blockbusters and act in some smaller, independent, thought provoking movies.
I prefer Wilkinson but I will definitely go see it with Jackman and wouldn’t be surprised if he’s outstanding. Just please please please don’t cast [Whichever] Jonas as Marius- I couldn’t stand him in the 25th Anniversary performance. (Jonas, baby, you’re not English- don’t try to sing with an English accent.)
Trying to think of who else to cast. Paul Bettany is being discussed for Javert- I’ve no idea if he can sing.
Colm should at least be the Bishop.
I’m OK but not thrilled at the thought of HJ in the role. I think he could probably pull it off.
One of my happiest memories of being in London in late 1985 on a semester abroad was seeing Colm Wilkinson and the original cast of Les Mis. An amazing theatrical/musical experience.
Colm Wilkinson is the definitive Valjean, *but *he’s 65 now. It’s easier to age Jackman for the final scenes than make Wilkinson appear younger for practically the whole film. (Plus he’s not a Hollywood name, despite being well-known among theatre fans.) I think Jackman is great and should do pretty well, though I wonder if he can hit those high notes in “Bring Him Home.”
I think Alan Rickman could make a good Javert.
Heh! That would be cool.
I don’t know enough about Jackman’s singing ability to judge there (and that’s obviously pretty significant for a classic musical like Les Miserables), but Valjean has to be someone who can look dangerous, and Jackman’s fine for that.
He’s an excellent actor, and that’s a role that seems right up his alley. I agree.
Rickman looks like Javert but unfortunately he’s 65, a bit long in the tooth for closeups.
Winona Judd could do for Mme. Thenardier. Idina Menzel might could pull off Fantine (also a few years too old for it but then Fantine’s been ridden through hell sideways). Jonathan Groff is a tad on the gay side for Marius (I know I know, politically incorrect to say it yadda yadda but in his case it’s true- he’s kind of flaming) but might be good for Enjolras.
On the stage – who knows? But for a film where he can take his time and get it right on Try #6, I think this is a non-issue.
Orcoughcoughhave any little errors dubbed.
Hugh Jackman has a great stage presence and decent singing voice. Also movies are a lot more vocally forgiving than eight live shows a week onstage. (Madonna’s Evita was respectable, if not brilliantly sung.) Still, Valjean is a hard role, vocally. I’m reserving judgment.
I would very nearly be reconciled to the entire concept if they would cast Audra McDonald as Fantine. (please please please)
My thoughts exactly. Anyone but Colm would seem mis-cast. Jackman will probably do fine, though.
How about John Malkovich as M. Thenàrdier?
Me likey! Or as Javert, for that matter.
Wasn’t Liam Neeson at one point tipped to play Valjean?
He did that in the non-musical movie a few years back.
I think Jackman would make a better Javert. Jackman doesn’t strike me as fatherly.
But I’m guessing they would have a hard time finding a Hollywood type to fit the role perfectly. Jackman is probably the best approximation they could get.
Wow, that came and went, and I never even heard of it. Was it any good?
Nope. That said, there arent that many good movie adaptations of the Miserables.
Here’s Him singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning.”
Despite the lighthearted nature of the song, there are parts of “People Will Say We’re In Love” where his voice shines. However, I think he loses the low-end resonation when he acts and sings at the same time.
Well, Malkovich has already played Javert, I doubt he would step down to playing Thenardier, even in a major adaptation.
I saw Hugh Jackman in The Boy From Oz, and he was fine. Damn fine. So fine he won a Tony. So fine the show was closed when he left.
Jackman can do it!!
I’m really more invested in who plays Javert than who plays Valjean. Stars is one of my all-time favorites and if they “Pierce Brosnan” it I’m going to be fucking pissed.
Enjoy,
Steven