Two of the biggest male Aussie celebrities may finally be teaming up for their first film together, according to The Playlist.
Hugh Jackman is already locked into the role of Jean Valijean in The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper’s new version of the Les Miserables. Jackman is no stranger to musicals, having won a Tony Award for The Boy From Oz. This role in Hooper’s film does, however, mark his first cinematic musical performance. Filming will begin once he is done working on James Mangold’s The Wolverine.
The other Aussie to possibly join Jackman is Russell Crowe, who is looking to fill the role of Inspector Javert, the officer tracking down Valijean. Crowe has singing experience from his bands 30 Odd Foot of Grunts and The Ordinary Fear of God, as well as a few stage plays. Despite that, it would still kind of be an odd jump for the Oscar-winning actor if he gets the role.
The likelihood of this match-up happening is still unknown at this point. Daily Mail reporter Baz Bamigboye said that Paul Bettany, who starred alongside Crowe in Master & Commander and A Beautiful Mind, has already talked to Hooper about the role. Hooper has yet to announce whom he wants though but I expect we’ll have confirmation shortly.
If all goes according to plan, Les Miserables will begin filming in February of 2012.
Who would you rather see? Jackman and Crowe? Jackman and Bettany? Tell us what you think in the comments.