As
The King's Speech director
Tom Hooper gears up for a screen adaptation of
Les Misérables – based on the musical that was the destination for everyone's first high school French class field trip – and the movie's Jean Valjean (
Hugh Jackman) may finally have a Javert to contend with.
THR reports that
Russell Crowe is in talks to play Inspector Javert – the lawman who will stop at nothing to convict Valjean – in the 19th century French rebellion tale.
When Valjean is released from a 19-year imprisonment, he skips out on parole and tries to make a new life for himself by changing his identity and hiding out in a small town. Javert doesn't believe in criminal reform and vows to bring Valjean to justice for escaping once more. It also appears that
Helena Bonham Carter may be reunited with Hooper again for the part of Madame Thenardier – the wife of a thieving innkeeper.
This will be a musical movie, based on the Broadway score. Crowe has lungpower as the singer in several music projects, including a recent collaboration with Alan Doyle of the band Great Big Sea. Jackman has stage experience as well, having starred in Carousel and more, with Carter appearing in Sweeney Todd. Everyone has the gift of song, but can a new version of the most-loved musical really be anything but hokey?