Russell Crowe will join fellow Aussie Hugh Jackman in the musical version of Les Miserables.

Les Miserables is based on the Victor Hugo novel turned Cameron Mackintosh stage musical of the same name, and focuses of a fugitive named Jean Valjean (Jackman) who changes his identity in order to keep one step ahead of the ruthless Inspector Javert (Crowe).

Crowe beat out the likes of Paul Bettany to nab the part.

Said Mackintosh of the films casting: “Even though I have dreamt about making the film of Les Miserables for over 25 years, I could never have imagined that we would end up with the dream director Tom Hooper, and the dream cast of Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe as the two great protagonists Jean Valjean and Javert. Not only were they born to play these roles vocally, but they thrillingly inhabit this great score.”

Hathaway is high on the list to star as Fantine, the troubled mother of heroine Cosette, who Valjean has sworn to protect and raise.

Tom Hopper (The King’s Speech) will direct a script by William Nicholson.

Source: Deadline