Geez, it's been a whole month since the last update on Tom Hooper's star-studded musical "Les Miserables" that has Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Eddie Redmayne already on board. But here comes some news sure to get the die hard fans riled-up all over again.
According to the NY Post, the filmmakers are zeroing in on their Eponine and Taylor Swift, Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood are in the mix to take on the role. It's a pretty interesting mix, which seems to stick with the star power route everyone is taking with this movie. And we have to say, Wood might be the best fit for the part out of this bunch. She showed off her admirable skills in "Across the Universe," has got acting chops to spare and hell, even when covering Justin Beiber at karaoke she's impressive. As for Swift, she can sing, but her limited screen experience (she had a small role in "Valentine's Day" and has a voice role in the upcoming "The Lorax") might be an issue, and jumping to an Oscar-baiting film seems like a stretch. Michele has both acting experience and singing chops, but we don't quite see the "Glee" star in the part for whatever ineffable reason. Finally, ScarJo certainly has acting talent and she can sing, but while she's proven she can be breathy and sultry on record, the real limits of her voice are yet to be tested.
That said, all have apparently auditioned with Michele being the one that "knocked it out of the park." Of course, that could just be her own reps spinning the story, but then again, she also has a leg up because she's done this musical on Broadway before in the role of young Cosette.
So, who should it be? The other question, is which one of these ladies would be most believable opposite Redmayne, who will be the love interest, and again, Wood seems to be the better choice. With production gearing up soon, we'll likely start hearing more any day now. "Les Miserables" will hit theaters and gun for Oscar gold on December 7, 2012.