Lea Michele, Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood in mix to play Eponine in Les Miserables
Tom Hooper, director of The Damned United and The King’s Speech, is going big for his next film, musical Les Miserables. It already stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway and now they’re looking to cast the part of Eponine.
Four young actresses are in the mix for the role, according to the NY Post: Lea Michele of Glee fame, Taylor Swift of country music fame, Scarlett Johansson of movie fame and Evan Rachel Wood, also of movie fame.
Sources say Michele was the most impressive, which isn’t surprising as she grew up on Broadway, but let’s break this down. Evan Rachel Wood and Scarlett Johansson are the best actors of the bunch. They’ve got that down pat. I think Johansson would nail the role, and although she can sing I don’t think she’s got the singing chops that Wood has. Wood has musical experience in Across the Universe.
But is Wood a big name? That’s what this musical might be looking for. In that case, you’d have to turn to Michele or Swift. Michele can act, although she isn’t great, and she can sing. She’s got the star power as well. As for Taylor Swift, she can sing… but her acting is limited. She does have plenty of star power though.
Overall, the best choice is Wood, with Johansson and Michelle being the runners up. But it all depends on what Hooper wants. Here’s some samples for you below, who do you think should get it?