First Look: Hugh Jackman As Jean Valjean In Tom Hooper's 'Les Miserables'

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After picking up Best Director and Best Picture at the 2010 Oscars, The King's Speech helmer Tom Hooper mostly sat out this past awards season. But the way things are shaping up for his next film, Les Misérables, it's more than likely he'll be back in the spotlight again next year.

With its classic literary roots, Broadway pedigree, and a star-studded cast that includes Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Helena Bonham Carter, Sacha Baron Cohen, and Amanda Seyfried, among others, Les Mis is already looking like an early favorite to take home several statuettes come February 2013. Now, with cameras finally rolling on the project, we have the first set photos of Jackman in costume as protagonist Jean Valjean. Check them out after the jump.

[via Screen Rant, Celebuzz]

It's almost hard to believe that this gaunt, dirty, unfortunately coiffed man is the same buff, handsome superhero we've seen in the X-Men films. But that's what's so great about Jackman. He's got serious range, and I've no doubt he'll pull off this role with his usual aplomb. Besides, we all know he's a musical theater geek deep down. He nabbed a Tony for his leading role in The Boy From Oz back in 2004, and had a one-man show on Broadway as recently as last fall.

Here's the official synopsis for Les Misérables:

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption–a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Les Misérables will hit theaters December 14, 2012.