Samantha Barks, not Swift, takes Eponine role
February 1st, 2012
04:02 PM ET

Samantha Barks, not Swift, takes Eponine role

It was rumored that Taylor Swift had been offered the role of Eponine in Tom Hooper's adaptation of "Les Miserables," but it's a British stage star who has landed the part.

According to BroadwayWorld.com, actress Samantha Barks will reprise the role of Eponine, a part she appears to be quite familiar with. Broadway World reports that Barks made her West End debut as Eponine, and also portrayed the part in the 25th anniversary "Les Mis" concert in London.

Barks tweeted Wednesday as the news of her casting circulated, "Words cannot express how much I appreciate all the amazing support I have received from everyone! I haven't stopped smiling!!"

Swift was said to be a contender for the role along with "Glee" star Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood.

Barks, who has performed in "Cabaret," "Aladdin" and "Oliver!," joins Amanda Seyfried as a recent cast addition, as Seyfried was in final negotiations for the role of Cosette last month.

The cast also includes Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. Hooper's adaptation of the classic "Les Mis" is scheduled to release on December 7.
Filed under: Casting Chronicles • Celebrities • movies
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soundoff (23 Responses)
  1. Nicholaso Chendoy

    After examine a number of of the weblog posts on your website now, and I truly like your manner of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site listing and can be checking back soon. Pls check out my site as effectively and let me know what you think.

    July 5, 2012 at 7:26 pm | Report abuse |
  2. Byrd

    No Les Mis for Swift?! Why not? She's always painted up like a street harlot, so she should at least be able to fill that role with moderate credibility.

    February 13, 2012 at 4:33 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Melissa

    YAY!!!!!!!!! This makes me SOOOO happy. Swift is a good singer, but she is a TERRIBLE actress, and she would have been SO WRONG for the part of Eponine. I think Samantha Barks will be FABULOUS! So excited for this movie now. The cast is awesome!

    February 13, 2012 at 3:41 pm | Report abuse |
  4. Alyssa

    I thought Lea would get this role.....

    February 9, 2012 at 6:16 am | Report abuse |
  5. Trey

    I'm pleasantly surprised Samantha was chosen for Eponine, but RUSSELL CROWE for Javert? Are you freaking kidding me? Ugh.

    February 9, 2012 at 2:56 am | Report abuse |
  6. coyotecrescendo

    I don't know what you guys are talking about!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I saw Samantha Barks perform at the 25th Anniversary in London and she was fabulous!!!! Just wait until you see the movie, you'll bite your words...

    February 8, 2012 at 3:16 pm | Report abuse |
    • Mayka

      Um, no I won't. I won't, I won't, I won't. She was awful at the 25th anniversary.

      Please get a grip.

      February 9, 2012 at 6:33 pm | Report abuse |
  7. max

    yeah taylor will get it if it's produced by 12 year olds her only audiance

    February 8, 2012 at 2:47 pm | Report abuse |
  8. yeaaa

    she will still get it !

    February 5, 2012 at 11:03 pm | Report abuse |
  9. Aine

    First: I will say I do NOT want to make myself sound really negative.

    That said... I am so stinking mad. This is such a shame. Barks cannot sing! She is a terrible actress! She is melodramatic and SHE CAN'T EVEN SING "A LITTLE FALL OF RAIN". They could have at least chosen somebody with the right voice range. I hated her performance in the 25th Anniversary. She is nasal and shrieky, and she can't act. She's annoying. And I know Eponine's character is annoying, but the voice of the actress should not be. I think that Barks should NOT be Eponine. I am severely disappointed.

    I am very thrilled about Jackman and Crowe. Seyfried... not so much. Emma Watson, anybody?

    February 4, 2012 at 10:22 pm | Report abuse |
  10. Louie

    They finally got it right. Swift can't sing real music.

    February 2, 2012 at 11:47 am | Report abuse |
    • coyotecrescendo

      Yay! someone who agrees with me!!!!! whoo hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

      February 8, 2012 at 3:17 pm | Report abuse |
  11. derp

    Wow, they picked an actress over an overrated popstress. Who would have thought.

    February 2, 2012 at 9:10 am | Report abuse |
  12. anonymoose

    "Samantha Barks"? Sounds like a real b itch. lmao

    February 2, 2012 at 8:52 am | Report abuse |
  13. Sokman

    I love Taylor Swift's eyes. Hugh Jackman kicks a55. Russell Crowe is a jerk.

    February 1, 2012 at 11:05 pm | Report abuse |
  14. jessamine

    ehhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh taylor was better

    February 1, 2012 at 10:17 pm | Report abuse |
  15. Sly Sadie

    Ok, troll. I know you have a bug up your azz for old Dicky, but can't you use somebody else's name to get back at him. At least you are funny, though.

    February 1, 2012 at 5:12 pm | Report abuse |
  16. Sly Sadie

    How many times must I remind you Dicky? U HAVE NO BALLS!

    February 1, 2012 at 4:20 pm | Report abuse |
  17. Richard Fore

    I Love licking my balls, I put ice cream & a cherry on my balls but the cherry rolled down & settled in my bum.

    February 1, 2012 at 4:18 pm | Report abuse |
  18. Sly Sadie

    Eponine? Looks more like a Bovine to me.

    February 1, 2012 at 4:04 pm | Report abuse |

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