Aaron Tveit Joins LES MIS Film as Enjolras — Page 4

I think Aaron Tveit has a lot of talent as a musical performer. He's an okay actor and a terrific singer/dancer who can add some legitimate chops to this film. I happen to think he got more than his unfair share of blame for "Catch Me...", which was far better than some would have it but suffered from book problems. I'm happy for him and may want to see this film now that he's on board.

I listen to the "Catch Me..." OBCR more than any other recent show primarily because of his singing and the terrific (and underrated) score.

Not surprised by the reaction here. Any time a performer has very "enthusiastic" fans, the performer themself becomes the object of scorn here on BWW (there was a time when Idina Menzel was generally well-liked here). It also tends to happen when certain performers begin to experience some success outside of the medium of theater, as Tveit has recently.

For the record, I would just like to clarify that I like Aaron as a performer. A lot! I loved him in Next to Normal and Wicked and thought that he sounded good in Catch Me If You Can (even though he's seen better acting days). But overall, I really like him. I just think he's utterly miscast. So please don't mistake my interpretation of his casting as "ugh, I hate this guy because he's SUPER popular" since I actually like him myself.

Robbie brings up a good point though, I suppose. The rest of the film is utterly miscast as well, so I suppose I shouldn't harp too much on Aaron. At least he'll be able to sing at all!

That's only an inch taller than Eddie Redmayne -- I think most people prefer more of a height difference. But hey, that's what lifts are for!

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I was actually one of the ones who mentioned the height issue before Tveit was cast as Enjolras. It was when Jamie Campbell Bower's name was being bantered about as getting the part.

The real necessity for the character is that he have a commanding presence. He needs to be influential as a leader for the other students. Height doesn't really matter (Just ask Napoleon). Bower comes off as "slight" and "emo" to me. Not remotely commanding or charismatic enough to play the part. He may be 6'4" for all I know, but it has to do with his presence as an actor. He's dedicated and focused, yes ... just not commanding. I wouldn't want an Enjolras who "complained" and "whined" his fellow students into battle.

I think Aaron Tveit has the right qualities for the role, even if he's not super tall. Perhaps that's my own preconception, having seen the original Broadway cast, where Michael Maguire was at least 6'4" if not taller. He towered over the other actors on stage, and it worked well.

Height can also be faked on screen (just see film stars Alan Ladd or Nelson Eddy or Sylvester Stalone or Tom Cruise). Everything from boxes to lifts in shoes to calculated camera angles can help with physical presence on screen. But it's the personality that is the important thing. And I think Tveit has it.

Plus the boy can sing ... arguably better than any other name announced for this film cast so far.

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Has this actually been verified? Or is the Daily Mail's little blurb the only thing that's said this?

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Apparently his manager has confirmed it.
http://bemyonly.tumblr.com/post/13959013632/aarons-manager-has-confirmed-that-he-will-be-in-les
http://aarontveit.net/news/public-appearances/aaron-tveit-cast-as-enjolras-in-les-miserables

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Oh, cool! A leaked confirmation, if it did indeed come from his manager.

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I'm surprised that, considering this is a film, no one seems to be concerned with the fact that someone as "all-American" as Tveit is playing an impassioned French revolutionary.

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I don't really have a problem with this casting either. Personally, I was hoping they would cast Ramin Karimloo (from the O2 25th concert) but I like Tveit and think he has a strong enough voice to carry the role. Like others have said, the key to Enjolras is his passion and his charismatic leadership; Tveit can definitely pull that off.
Overall, interesting casting so far. I can't say I'm totally thrilled, but I'm certainly intrigued.

I think this is a perfect casting choice - he has the voice and acting ability for it, and I am very much looking forward to seeing the performance. I would have watched the movie anyway, but this casting choice will get me to go to the cinema as well rather than just waiting for the DVD.