Taylor Swift Loses 'Les Miserables' Film Role
Taylor Swift will not play the role of Eponine in the film adaptation of the classic Broadway musical "Les Miserables," UsWeekly reported.
Earlier reports said that Swift, 22, had beaten out the likes A-list actresses Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood to play the bratty daughter of crooked inn owners, Mr. and Mrs. Thernardier.
Although the country singer was in fact in talks for the role, the part was given to Samantha Barks. Barks played Eponine in the London production of "Les Misérables" at the Queen's Theatre for a year. She has been a theater actress since the age of four.
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Barks was also chosen to play Eponine by Cameron Mackintosh, the show's original producer, in the 25th Anniversary Concert at London's O2 Arena in October 2010. Mackintosh announced the news of Barks' role in the film on Tuesday evening at the Manchester Palace, where Barks was a performer in "Olivier!" BroadwayWorld reported.
Barks, 21, tweeted her excitement.
"Most incredible moment of my life!!!" the actress wrote.
Swift's acting resume is far shorter than that of Barks'. The Grammy-winning sensation appeared in a 2009 episode of "CSI" and in the 2010 romantic comedy "Valentine's Day." Swift hasn't garnished as much appreciation for her acting skills as she has for her singing and songwriting.
OK! movie critic Phil Villarreal was not a fan of Taylor's "Valentine's Day" performance, declaring the singer is "not an actress," and calling the performance "regrettable."
"The movie isn't awful, and nor is it an award winner," Villarreal said. "Unless you count Swift's frontrunner status to add a worst supporting actress Razzie to her shelf full of Grammys."
The "Les Miserables" adaptation will be directed by Tom Hooper. Actors Russell Crow, Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway (who also starred in "Valentine's Day with Swift) and Amanda Seyfried have all been confirmed to star in the film.
