Samantha Barks IS Back As Eponine In Les Misérables

Samantha Barks, who played Eponine in the 2010 London production of will play the same role in Tom Hooper's big screen adaptation of Les Misérables says Reuters. Taylor Swift was keyed to play the role amid rumors. Backlash to the apparent casting of Taylor was strong.

The pic would take the world famous musical--based on Victor Hugo's book--and make it sing once again.

The story follows the struggle by ex-con Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman) to outrun his past and his relentless pursuer - the uncompassionate police inspector Javert (Russell Crowe). Sacha Baron Cohen has been cast as a villain Thenardier in the pic. Amanda Seyfried to play Eponine and Cosette respectively. Eddie Redmayne ("Black Death," "My Week With Marilyn") will play the role of Marius Aaron Tveit will play Enjolras, a character responsible for a student rebellion in the streets of Paris. He’s best known for ordering Javert’s execution. George Blagden, soon to be seen in the March 30th 3D mythology pic Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to Clash of the Titans, has been cast as student revolutionary Grantaire

Banks says "I can't believe I'm going to play Eponine, a role so close to my heart, a role I played in the West End. It's the happiest moment of my life." She joins original London stage cast members Colm Wilkinson and Frances Ruffelle as a kindly bishop and a "fabulous whore" respectively. 

The script for this adaptation was penned by William Nicholson, which Cameron Mackintosh will produce. This time dialogue has been introduced in the script--amidst the singing.

Rehearsals begin this week ahead of filming in March.

The film hits theaters on December 7th 2012.