Les Miserables is a tale about unfulfilled love, redemption, politics, ethics and justice amid early 19th-century France in the heart of the June Rebellion. So what on earth does Taylor Swift have anything to do with such a scenario?
Nothing at all. The Barbie-doll face country star may have the VMA incident behind her, but with little indication that she can handle a role as emotionally charged as Eponine, arguably the most likeable tragic character of Victor Hugo's novel, the decision to cast her in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical is a poor choice that can only be attributed to her ability to sell millions of just about anything — jeans, dolls, even hockey.
Swift, after all, is Billboard's 2011 Woman of the Year. Wouldn't Glee's Lea Michele be a better choice? Her performance of "On My Own" at the Human Rights Campaign National Dinner in Washington, D.C. is angelic. Alongside Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood, Michele auditioned for the Tom Hooper-directed film role, but didn't get it.
Amanda Seyfried will play the part of Cosette's, Swift's leading nemesis in the story. Also cast are Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Hugh Jackman as the protagonist Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Jackman's adversary, Inspector Javert, Borat's Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as Mr. and Mrs. Thernardier — Eponine's parentals — and Eddie Redmayne as Marius, the heartthrob who's loved by both leading damsels in distress.
The challenging role of Eponine is an upwards step in Swift's acting career. Les Mis is no Hannah Montana, 10-minute appearance on Valentine's Day or Jonas Brother's musicale. Can she handle the dramatic demands? Or is she a pearly pretty face that will render the film a cash cow sell-out?