With Hugh Jackman committed to Tom Hooper’s new movie musical take on Les Miserables, he's apparently been suggesting ideas for who else could feature in the film, with Anne Hathaway at the top of the wish list for Fantine.
Broadway World is reporting (via the keen-eyed troopers at The Playlist) that Jackman has been aiming to get Hathaway on board for a while now, logically figuring that her name recognition and warbling ability will help boost the movie’s fortunes.
Hathaway, of course, has proved several times that she can sing, performing on stage with Jackman when he hosted the 2009 Oscar ceremony and even belting out a ditty from the show, On My Own, while co-hosting this year’s event, with the song aimed comically at Jackman.
While she doesn’t have the biggest role in the musical, the Fantine character is one of the most crucial, being the troubled mother of heroine Cosette. The story, set in early 19th century France, follows Jean Valjean (Jackman’s assumed starring role) as he aims for redemption in his life, finding it among prostitutes, factory workers and rebellious students. All the while, he’s pursued by driven lawman Javert.
Even though Hooper is confirmed as director and the likely delay to The Wolverine’s shooting schedule means Jackman is going to be available, everything else about **Les Miserables **is still floating in the land of rumours. But with filming expected before the end of the year, we should start hearing actual news on the project soon enough…