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First musical-stage adaptation
Concept albumsThe first musical-stage adaptation of Les Misérables was presented at a Paris sports arena, the Palais des Sports, in 1980.
Released as a French language concept album. -
Film development
Alan ParkerAlthough numerous films of the Les Misérables story have been made, no film adaptation of the stage musical was produced for many years. A film adaptation has been in development several times since the late 1980s.
Alan Parker was reported to be connected to an adaptation at an early stage -
English language version shown (West End)
Royal Shakespeare CompanyIn London, by the Royal Shakespeare Company at the Barbican Centre, then the London home of the RSC. -
Broadway version shown
Spanning for eight weeks, through February 14, 1987. -
Bruce Beresford directed film planned
In 1992 Mackintosh announced planning for a film to be directed by Bruce Beresford and co-produced by Tri-Star Pictures, but the project was later abandoned. -
Broadway revival
At the Broadhurst Theatre for a limited run that was subsequently made open-ended. The revival closed on 6 January 2008. -
DVD/Blu-ray release of Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary Concert
The 2010 Les Misérables: 25th Anniversary Concert included an announcement of revised plans for a film adaptation which was later confirmed by Mackintosh. -
Negotiations to direct
William NicholsonDirector Tom Hooper began negotiations to direct Les Misérables from the screenplay by William Nicholson. -
Tom Hooper signed on
Tom Hooper signed on to direct the Mackintosh-produced film from a screenplay by William Nicholson. -
Production begins
Production on the film officially began with Cameron Mackintosh and Working Title Films co-producing. Having already approached Hooper prior to production with the desire of playing Jean Valjean, Hugh Jackman began negotiations to star in the film alongside Paul Bettany as Javert.Other stars who became attached to the project included Hathaway and Helena Bonham Carter. -
Announced the beginning of principal photography
Working Title Films and Mackintosh announced that the film would begin principal photography in early 2012 for a tentative December release date. -
Taylor Swift
News ArticleThe press reported that the role of Éponine had officially been offered to Taylor Swift, but Swift later stated that those reports were not entirely accurate. -
Oliver!UK curtain call
At the end of the month, Mackintosh made a special appearance during the curtain call of the Oliver! UK tour at the Palace Theatre, Manchester, announcing that the tour's Nancy, Samantha Barks, who had played Éponine in the West End production and in the 25th Anniversary concert, would reprise the role in the film. -
Extra Casting and extra song
Casting auditions involving extras for the film took place at the University of Portsmouth and Chatham Maritime in Chatham.Several days later, Mackintosh officially confirmed that Bonham Carter would play Madame Thénardier. He also announced that the title of the newly created song for the film is "Suddenly" and that it "beautifully explains what happens when Valjean takes Cosette from the inn and looks after her." -
Principal photography
With a production budget of $61 million, principal photography of the film began on 8 March 2012 in Gourdon. -
Hathaway's commitment
For the role, Hathaway allowed her hair to be cut short on camera for a scene in which her character sells her hair, stating that the lengths she goes to for her roles "don't feel like sacrifices. Getting to transform is one of the best parts of [acting]." The role also required her to lose 25 pounds. -
Recording sessions of the songs
On 27 August 2012, it was announced that recording sessions for Les Misérables would begin in London on 10 October and featured a 70-piece orchestra. It was also announced that composer Claude-Michel Schönberg was working on writing additional music to underscore the film. -
Rough cut of the film
On 9 September 2012, Universal Studios executives were granted a viewing of the rough cut of the film without the orchestra. The cut was greeted with "extreme excitement". -
Release date moved again
The film's release date was moved back to 25 December, so as not to conflict with the opening of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, which opened on 14 December. Because of this, it opened alongside Django Unchained. -
First Screening
Les Misérables was screened for the first time at the Lincoln Center in New York City, which received a standing ovation from the crowd.This was followed by a screening the next day in Los Angeles, which also received positive reviews.[ -
Original release date
Les Misérables was originally going to be released on 7 December 2012 before it was moved to 14 December. -
General US release date for film
The film was given its general US release on Christmas Day 2012.
Principal cast members:
Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean,
Russell Crowe as Javert,
nne Hathaway as Fantine,
manda Seyfried as Cosette,
ddie Redmayne as Marius Pontmercy,
amantha Barks as Éponine,
Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter as the Thénardiers. -
UK Release date
The film was released in the United Kingdom on 11 January 2013 and earned £8.1 ($13.1) million in its opening weekend, making it the largest opening weekend for a musical film, as well as for Working Title. -
Golden Globes
Best Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical:
Hugh Jackman Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:
Anne Hathaway -
Oscars
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:
Anne Hathaway Best Achievement in Makeup and Hairstyling:
Lisa Westcott
Julie Dartnell Best Achievement in Sound Mixing:
Andy Nelson
Mark Paterson
Simon Hayes -
US Home Release
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Uk Home Release
The film was confirmed for home release on 13 May 2013 on DVD, Blu-ray, and VOD in the United Kingdom -
Toronto revival
A sit down production played at the Princess of Wales Theatre in Toronto, Canada. Previews began on September 27, 2013 with the opening night on October 9. The production closed on February 2, 2014. -
2014 Broadway revival
At the Imperial Theatre with previews beginning March 1, 2014 and had an official opening on March 23, 2014. -
2014 Australian revival
In mid 2013, a brand new Australian production was announced. The production premiered on the 4th of July at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne.
