Paul Bettany May Join Hugh Jackman for LES MISERABLES

Paul Bettany to stalk Hugh Jackman through 19th-century France.

Following yesterday’s news that Hugh Jackman is in talks to play protagonist Jean Valjean in Tom Hooper’s new take on ‘Les Miserables,’ it has now been revealed that Paul Bettany is also in consideration for a role.

Deadline reports that Bettany (‘Priest,’ ‘The Tourist’) has read for the role of the villainous police officer Javert. The actor is also believed to have sung the songs from the Cameron Mackintosh-produced stage hit.

The movie, adapted from the long running musical version of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, was penned by ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ and ‘Gladiator’ scribe Bill Nicholson. Mackintosh will produce the movie with Working Title partners Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner,