Samantha Barks to Play Eponine in LES MIS Film — Page 3

It's great to see how supportive Frances Ruffelle is being about the film, it's nice not to see her get all Jennifer Holiday on Samantha Barks or the movie in general. I'm excited to see her cameo in the movie, I hope it makes it to the final cut!

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I'm going to guess that with such a delay in casting this role, and with Evan Rachel Wood turning it down first, and then all the paparazzi photos of Swift going into MacIintosh's office, they just couldn't work out a deal. It's probably either her schedule or her recording label that caused a roadblock. Don't forget, someone like Swift is under an exclusive recording contract. They may have wanted a cut of the soundtrack sales, etc. You never know. Regardless of the reason, they ended up casting a virtual unknown stage performer in the part. She still had to beat out quite a few hopefuls (perhaps hundreds, in the end) to get it, and she obviously impressed them greatly.

Hopefully, she'll do the same for all of us when the film comes out.

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Yes, Samantha was discovered on Lloyd-Webber's BBC casting show "I'll Do Anything" the search for Nancy in "Oliver". Samantha was a standout, and a finalist, but lost the role to a more traditional, zaftig actress (who was pretty wonderful in her own right, and just took over a lead in "One Man Two Guvnors" in the West End). Sam was gorgeous and talented on the show, but obviously very green (I think she was 18 or 19 years old at the time) and her talent hadn't jelled yet. But seeing her in the 02 "Les Miz" concert two years later, she had definitely come into her own.

Remember this from Jan. 18 in the Russell Crowe singing lessons news? Some speculated it may have been about Swift:

>>>It is true that the cast will be singing live while the cameras roll. But she told me that one aspect of the film that has been widely reported very recently is in fact not true! Stay tuned to your favorite media outlets for future developments.<<<
Was it about Swift?

cameron surprising samantha on the stage of oliver with the news that she got the role of eponine

Yes, Samantha Barks's voice is generic but she is still a much better choice than Taylor effin' Swift. I really wish the film would jettison Amanda Seyfried. I'm still irritated that she's going to play Cosette.

I don't understand.

Samantha Barks to Play Eponine

That's all she had to do for her audition? BARK?

And they're letting her play Eponine?

She didn't even have to sing?

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The musical theater Gods have spoken!!! Thanks for making sure Swift wasn't anywhere near this movie!!!

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Swift will be touring Australasia from March 2-18.

http://www.taylorswift.com/events

If the producers want to get filming underway for a December 2012 release, they probably could not work out a deal with her to start shooting her scenes after her tour.

Updated On: 2/1/12 at 12:45 AM

You forgot Ellen Greene in Little Shop!

There are 9 roles that are considered the leads in Les Mis, and out of the movie cast, one out of the nine leads has played their character before. We'll have the pleasure of seeing 8 of those 9 characters presented in a way we've never seen before, which should be more than enough, and is hardly "safe"

Personally, I thought Samantha Barks' acting was beautiful in the 25th anniversary concert and I find her voice to be a good midpoint on the Ruffelle ---> Salonga spectrum. Thank you, Cam Mack!

Seyfried has a lovely tone and can obviously sing in tune. I still think that she just hasn't really had a chance to sing opera: think Nicole Scherzinger and Phantom!

I cannot even attempt to convey the joy this news has brought me. The idea of Swift playing Eponine was enough to make me lose faith in this movie entirely- not just because the part requires skills she doesn't have, but becasue her casting meant box office was the number one priority to the filmakers. The fact that they chose an actress unknown to Hollywood over so many big names means they care about making a truly great film out of Les Mis, not just a bankable one. I don't think this choice is safe or predictable in the least. After all, when in recent movie musical history have they cast stage actors over names? It's a bold move if anything!

I wouldn't hold her concert or even West End performance as an example of what her movie performance will look like. She hasn't played Eponine in a while, and has probably matured a bit. A director with a specific vision will undoubtedly be able to pull a fresh performance out of her. What matters is she can sing, and while some find her O2 performance wooden, her acting is clearly miles above Taylor's.