Taylor Swift won't be playing Eponine in 'Les Miserables' after all

Stage actress Samantha Barks will be taking on the coveted role instead

By HitFix Staff Tuesday, Jan 31, 2012 9:48 PM

Taylor Swift won't be playing Eponine in 'Les Miserables' after all

Taylor Swift arrives at the Sundance Film Festival premiere of the documentary "Ethel".

Credit: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello

Sorry, Swifty.

Though it was previously reported that country-pop superstar Taylor Swift had been offered the role of Eponine in Tom Hooper's upcoming adaptation of the "Les Miserables" stage musical, it turns out the singer won't be playing the part after all.

According to Broadway World, British stage actress Samantha Barks - who previously played Eponine in the West End production of "Les Miserables" - will be taking on the character instead.

"Most incredible moment of my life!!!! X", Barks tweeted following the announcement, which took place following a performance of the musical "Oliver!" (in which the actress is playing Nancy) at the UK's Manchester Palace. She was apparently unaware that she'd won the role until it was announced on-stage by producer Cameron Mackintosh.

Barks came up through the BBC reality series "I'd Do Anything", which saw several young actresses competing for the role of Nancy in a West End revival of the musical "Oliver!" Though she eventually came in third, she went on to win roles in a UK touring production of "Cabaret" playing Sally Bowles and as Eponine in "Les Miserables", a role she reprised for the musical's 25th anniversary concert at London's 02 Arena in October 2010. She was cast in the "Oliver!" role she'd originally been vying for just last month.

Slated for release on December 7, 2012, "Les Miserables" stars Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Sacha Baron Cohen as Thernardier, Helena Bonham Carter as Madame Thenardier, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Eddie Redmayne as Marius and Aaron Tveit as Enjolras. It's being directed by Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech").

What do you think of this news? Are you disappointed that Swift is no longer involved, or do you think the film will be better off without her? Sound off below!

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JJ1

Ecstatic. Samantha Barks was fantastic in the 25th anniversary PBS special. Swift is adorable. But Eponine? No. Never saw it. So happy that Swift was passed up for Barks. :)
January 31, 2012 at 10:58PM EST Reply to Comment
Guest

I would have seen this if taylor was in it, would have been cool to see her in a real movie..now ill just wait for redbox or something
January 31, 2012 at 11:33PM EST Reply to Comment
- Brian YOU ARE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD.
  January 31, 2012 at 11:37PM EST
- Stacey Taylor Swift would have dragged that movie down faster than an anvil tied to a sparrow.
  January 31, 2012 at 11:45PM EST
- Sam LOOK This person likes Taylor Swift and you don't have to have stupid negative comments!!!
  Personally I was disappointed that Taylor isn't going to do it anymore.
  February 2, 2012 at 5:59AM EST
- emily ARE YOU NUTS?! samantha will be better as eponine!
  March 29, 2012 at 8:11PM EST
Andrew

I am disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing what Swift would have brought to the role. It's disappointing that the producers were able to cast people who had never been in this musical before in every role excpet this one.
February 1, 2012 at 1:13AM EST Reply to Comment
exiles

great! that is actually a good news! ... they should try talking about the role of amanda as cosette next. She doesnt have the high notes but she REALLY is pretty :)
February 1, 2012 at 1:19AM EST Reply to Comment
- EB Word on the street is Amanda is a classically trained opera singer.
  February 1, 2012 at 9:59AM EST
Prettok

I'd rather see Taylor Swift in this movie than Anne Hathaway. Les Missrables is constant singing. Better to cast a singer who can't act over an actress who can't sing.
February 1, 2012 at 1:40AM EST Reply to Comment
- ean Ann Hathaway is a singer...?
  February 1, 2012 at 6:52AM EST
- Laurie I bet Anne Hathaway sings better than Taylor Swift.
  February 1, 2012 at 7:21AM EST
- E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EilYyLLK-do&feature=related Well, Anne can sing. Shes originally a stage actress.
  February 1, 2012 at 7:36AM EST
- Biddle Anna Hathaway can sing her well sculpted ass off AND she's a very good actress. I'd say she's perfect for Fantine.
  
  February 1, 2012 at 10:37AM EST
143

I think that Les Miserables just lost a lot of viewers
February 1, 2012 at 2:02AM EST Reply to Comment
- Biddle Only the Taylor Swift fans, don't underestimate the volume of Les Mis fans who are now rejoicing (I say this as my wife walks away with a skip in her step and a happy smile). I had no problem with Taylor Swift in this role, mostly out of curiosity to see how she would do. However I can appreciate the thinking that went with this decision, especially after watching some video of Samantha Barks performing.
  
  I highly doubt Swift's departure is going to hurt this movie's chances much.
  February 1, 2012 at 10:41AM EST
Sara

I think the movie probably lost a lot of viewers...
I really wanted to see Taylor in it.
Darn....
February 1, 2012 at 2:44AM EST Reply to Comment
Sara

:(
I wanted to see Taylor in it
February 1, 2012 at 2:44AM EST Reply to Comment
EB

They just saved the movie. Who cares if 13 year-old girls don't go see it.
February 1, 2012 at 9:44AM EST Reply to Comment
- 13 Apparently I do. I CARE!
  February 2, 2012 at 6:02AM EST
Biddle

I personally had no issue with Taylor Swift as Eponine, but my wife was not please. So when I saw this story I called her in and she high fived me. :D

Either way I'm fine with the news, it's the Anne Hathaway casting that I'm really excited about, according to IMDB (they're never wrong are they?) Hathaway brought the room to tears when she auditioned for Fantine.

This is a really strong looking cast overall. I gooogled Samantha Barks (in front of my wife, who knew she liked to watch?) and was impressed with her singing.
February 1, 2012 at 10:33AM EST Reply to Comment
emma

Such great news! I've seen Swift in concert and she is by far the most awkward performer I've ever seen. Just not a good fit for such an important role.
February 3, 2012 at 4:02PM EST Reply to Comment
Vicky

I am a huge fan of Taylor Swift I am disappointed but I will think positive I hope Samantha will do good also I will watch this because Anne Hathaway is in it and it Taylor Swift will be great for the role because she is acting as a character not herself either the actor job is to be truthful and prepared and I believe Taylor could do that I with Harhaway and Barks good luck also thanks Sam for defending the guest Taylor Swift is awesome I love her and is one of her number 1 fan.
February 6, 2012 at 10:51PM EST Reply to Comment
Kai

Just listened to Samantha sing a couple of songs and she can sing live on pitch with depth and range. She's mainly a belter but can definitely sing Eponine's songs. Taylor's mono range voice is not suited for those songs, she mainly talk sings so should stick to her usual pop stuff over dubbed with lots of instrumental tracks and the safety of auto tune.
March 20, 2012 at 9:35PM EST Reply to Comment

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Taylor Swift won't be playing Eponine in 'Les Miserables' after all

Stage actress Samantha Barks will be taking on the coveted role instead

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Comments

Option 1

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Option 3

JJ1 Ecstatic. Samantha Barks was fantastic in the 25th anniversary PBS special. Swift is adorable. But Eponine? No. Never saw it. So happy that Swift was passed up for Barks. :)

Guest I would have seen this if taylor was in it, would have been cool to see her in a real movie..now ill just wait for redbox or something

Brian YOU ARE WHAT IS WRONG WITH THE WORLD.

Stacey Taylor Swift would have dragged that movie down faster than an anvil tied to a sparrow.

Sam LOOK This person likes Taylor Swift and you don't have to have stupid negative comments!!!Personally I was disappointed that Taylor isn't going to do it anymore.

emily ARE YOU NUTS?! samantha will be better as eponine!

Andrew I am disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing what Swift would have brought to the role. It's disappointing that the producers were able to cast people who had never been in this musical before in every role excpet this one.

exiles great! that is actually a good news! ... they should try talking about the role of amanda as cosette next. She doesnt have the high notes but she REALLY is pretty :)

EB Word on the street is Amanda is a classically trained opera singer.

Prettok I'd rather see Taylor Swift in this movie than Anne Hathaway. Les Missrables is constant singing. Better to cast a singer who can't act over an actress who can't sing.

ean Ann Hathaway is a singer...?

Laurie I bet Anne Hathaway sings better than Taylor Swift.

E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EilYyLLK-do&feature=related Well, Anne can sing. Shes originally a stage actress.

Biddle Anna Hathaway can sing her well sculpted ass off AND she's a very good actress. I'd say she's perfect for Fantine.

143 I think that Les Miserables just lost a lot of viewers

Sara I think the movie probably lost a lot of viewers...I really wanted to see Taylor in it.Darn....

Sara :(I wanted to see Taylor in it

EB They just saved the movie. Who cares if 13 year-old girls don't go see it.

13 Apparently I do. I CARE!

emma Such great news! I've seen Swift in concert and she is by far the most awkward performer I've ever seen. Just not a good fit for such an important role.

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JJ1

Ecstatic. Samantha Barks was fantastic in the 25th anniversary PBS special. Swift is adorable. But Eponine? No. Never saw it. So happy that Swift was passed up for Barks. :)

Guest

I would have seen this if taylor was in it, would have been cool to see her in a real movie..now ill just wait for redbox or something

Sam LOOK This person likes Taylor Swift and you don't have to have stupid negative comments!!!
Personally I was disappointed that Taylor isn't going to do it anymore.

Andrew

I am disappointed because I was looking forward to seeing what Swift would have brought to the role. It's disappointing that the producers were able to cast people who had never been in this musical before in every role excpet this one.

exiles

great! that is actually a good news! ... they should try talking about the role of amanda as cosette next. She doesnt have the high notes but she REALLY is pretty :)

Prettok

I'd rather see Taylor Swift in this movie than Anne Hathaway. Les Missrables is constant singing. Better to cast a singer who can't act over an actress who can't sing.

143

I think that Les Miserables just lost a lot of viewers

Sara

I think the movie probably lost a lot of viewers...
I really wanted to see Taylor in it.
Darn....

Sara

:(
I wanted to see Taylor in it

EB

They just saved the movie. Who cares if 13 year-old girls don't go see it.

emma

Such great news! I've seen Swift in concert and she is by far the most awkward performer I've ever seen. Just not a good fit for such an important role.