Although Hugh Jackman first made his name in musical theatre and showed off his singing skills as an Oscar host, he’s never actually appeared in a full-on movie musical. That may change though, as after decades in development, things are finally moving forward on a film version of the stage version of Les Miserables, with Tom Hopper directing. And Variety reports that the King’s Speech helmer is now in talks with Jackman for a lead role in the movie.
The piece suggest Jackman is most likely to play Jean Valjean, although this hasn’t been confirmed. It seems to be the best fit, as Valjean is a tenor, like Jackman, while the other male lead, Javert, is a baritone. The story, based on the Victor Hugo novel, centers on Valjean, a prisoner who is on the run, with a dogged policeman named Valvert spending years tracking him down during the French Revolution.
Valjean is seen as one of the classic roles in musical theatre, and it’d be tough for Jackman to turn down the chance to be the man who takes it to the silver screen.
It’s isn’t known however how far away the movie is from shooting. It may be able to get going fairly fast, before Jackman has to go off and do Wolverine (probably early next year), as it has a completed script by Bill Nicholson. Hopefully it’ll all work out, as Hugh would fit perfectly in the film.