'King's Speech' Director Tom Hooper Will Direct 'Les Miserables'

By Moviefone Editors Posted Mar 25th 2011 03:30PM

Tom Hooper, the Oscar-winning director of the 'The King's Speech,' is now in talks with Universal to direct a big-screen adaptation of the musical 'Les Miserables.'

The project is being put together by Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner along with Cameron Mackintosh, who produced the perennial stage hit that opened in London in 1985. The film may begin production before year's end in Europe. William Nicholson ('Elizabeth: The Golden Age,' 'Gladiator') wrote the script.

According to Deadline, Hooper is being courted for a number of projects, including The Weinstein Co.'s 'Tulip Fever' as well as an adaptation of 'Macbeth,' but he's very close to choosing 'Mis' -- which should attract some top talent -- as his next outing.

Based on the 1862 Victor Hugo novel, the story follows ex-con Jean Valjean as he tries to outrun his relentless pursuer Javert.

There have been a dozen or so big-screen versions of 'Les Miserables'; the last was a disappointing 1998 opus with Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush and Uma Thurman.

Written by Harvey W. Lond at Moviefone

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Tags: Les Miserables, Tom Hooper

Comments

(11)

Friday 25 March

By melody Kramer

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Adam Lambert would be great in a Les Miserables movie,his voice is perfect for this adaptation.

By Nick Mayor

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Adam Lamnbert? I sincerely doubt you even know this musical otherwise you would not make such an inane remark. Hugh Jackman might make a good Jean Valjean.

Saturday 26 March

By david

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Please, surely you are not serious.

By joe

Please, for the love of God, cast really good singers or don't do it as a musical. Use singers who act, not who sing. Please and thank you.

... singers who act, not ACTORS who sing. sorry.

By Dee

He should cast ALfie Boe from the London cast....he is amazing in this role and what a voice.

By thom

I agree with your choice of alfie he is incredible

By Stephanie

This. He was amazing.

By Sassy

please god, they better cast people who can actually handle the respected roles, especially Valjean. I don't think I could take another musical film butcher job...when in doubt, use theater actors who've actually played the role, NOT the same tired old named in Hollywood.

By Jane

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I think they should get unknowns for all the roles, not just Hollywood stars we see in every movie. I am a huge fan of Les Mis and if they cast someone as oh I dunno, Adam Lambert as Jean Valjean I lose all hope for humanity.

Wednesday 30 March

By MartianSpider

Agreed - Alfie Boe would be excellent in the role of Valjean...Tim Curry would make a fun Thénardier.

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