Russell Crowe has signed in Hopper's ‘Les Miserables’ to come next year

Russell Crowe

Russell Crowe has agreed and signed in the big-screen adaptation of "Les Miserables,"by Tom Hopper. He will play the role of Inspector Javert. With him there will also be Hugh Jackman who is to play the hero, Jean Valjean. The Hollywood Reporter writes that Inspector Javert is the antagonist Jean Valjean, while  Helena Bonham Carter, another character, is up for the role of greedy Madame Thénardier. Crowe, Carter, and Jackman are the only stars who have been finalised for the film so far, though Anne Hathaway, Geoffrey Rush, and Emma Watson are among the other names who’ve been rumored for various parts.

More: Russell Crowe's Directorial Debut in 77.

Set in 19th-century France, the story revolves around the kindhearted Valjean, who gets sent to prison for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his sister’s children. He gets out 19 years later and finds himself wrapped up in a revolution as he seeks redemption. Javert is a police inspector who’s determined to put Valjean back in prison; the Thénardiers are the abusive guardians of the girl Cosette, who later comes under the care of Valjean. Hooper’s film is based on the megahit Broadway musical of the same title, which in turn is based on the classic novel by Victor Hugo.

Hugh Jackman

Although Les Miserables will be Crowe’s first time starring in a big-screen musical, he’s actually demonstrated an interest in music before — he’s been the lead vocalist of Russell Crowe & The Ordinary Fear of God (formerly known as 30 Odd Foot of Grunts) for nearly two decades. And the character of Valjean, who is less a pure villain and more a misguided soul, seems perfect for his acting talents.

Carter seems like a great fit for Les Miserables as well. She’s already proven her vocal capabilities in Sweeney Todd, and her ability to play cruel but fascinating in projects like the Harry Potter franchise. It’s also worth nothing that her last project with Hooper, The King’s Speech, earned her an Oscar nod. The film is scheduled to be released on December 7, 2012 under Universal Production. We can expect an oscar winning piece from those talented stars.

Helena Bonham Carter