The first photos from the set of The King’s Speech director Tom Hooper’s Les Miserables have surfaced online. The photos depict the film’s protagonist Jean Valjean, played by Hugh Jackman.
For those unfamiliar with the classic play, here’s a summary of the plot.
“Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption—a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine’s (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.”
The film has just gone into production but it’s already receiving Oscar buzz for next year. With a stellar cast, a talented director and beloved source material, why wouldn’t Les Miserables be one to watch out for come awards season?
The photos, from Just Jared and Courier Mail, which can be seen below, depict Jackman as Valjean in an early part of the story, when he is still known as Prisoner 24601. Check them out and let us know what you think in the comments section.
Les Miserables stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen, Helena Bonham Carter, Eddie Redmayne, Samantha Barks and Aaron Tveit and will be released on December 14th, 2012.