Taylor Swift offered leading lady role in star-studded movie version of Les Miserables

By PAUL THOMPSON

Fearless: Country pop singer Taylor Swift , 22, is to take on the lead role of Eponine in the upcoming film of musical Les Miserables

Country music star Taylor Swift is reported to have been offered a role in the Hollywood version of the hit musical of Les Miserables.
The 21-year-old star singer is said to have beaten a host of top stars, including Glee's Lea Michele and Scarlett Johansson for the part of Eponine.
British director Tom Hooper, who won an Oscar for 'The King's Speech', has assembled a stellar cast for the blockbuster version of the long running stage musical.

Mamma Mia: Amanda Seyfried's classical singing experience has won her the supporting role of Cosette

Amanda Seyfried, who starred in 'Mamma Mia', is also reported to have won the role of Cosette.
She will be playing the daughter of Anne Hathaway's Fantine. Hathaway is only three years older than Seyfried in real life.
Her background in opera and as a trained singer is said to have been a deciding factor in winning the role.

The choice of Swift, one of country music's biggest selling stars, is the surprise choice according to film website Twitchfilm.com. Hooper is said to have sent Swift a formal offer to appear in his film.
It will be only her second acting role, following her appearance in Garry Marshall's Valentine's Day opposite Taylor Lautner.
As well as Glee's Lea Michelle other young actresses went through an audition process for Hooper in Los Angeles last November with Evan Rachel Wood was also considered for the part of Eponine.

Smash hit: Les Miserables, based on Victor Hugo's book of the same name, ran for years in the West End and Broadway

Other stars include Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier with Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen as her husband villainous Monsieur Thenardier.
Hugh Jackman has been cast as leading man Jean Valjean while action hero Russell Crowe will sing in a film for the first time when he plays police inspector Javert.
Production is gearing up to shoot in spring, with a release scheduled for December 2012.

source: dailymail