Samantha Barks Is Right For Les Mis

Theatre nerds and everywhere breathed a collective sigh of relief on Wednesday. Contrary to what appeared to have been a done deal, Taylor Swift will not be playing the coveted role of Eponine in the upcoming Les Miserables movie musical. Instead, the role has gone to relatively unknown British actress Samantha Barks, currently starring in Oliver! in London's West End.

Samantha Barks

The casting of Eponine has clearly been the most difficult of any of the other roles in the movie, most of which have been cast for months, with some extremely big stars. Why, then, has Eponine only just been cast? What is it about Eponine that requires so much consideration?

It's simple: Eponine is the most revered role in Les Miserables. Every young girl with an inkling toward musicals (and that accounts for a lot of young girls) fantasizes about playing Eponine. There is an undeniably unique protective bubble surrounding the defiant, yet vulnerable Eponine, which was burst dramatically by the thought of her famous song "On My Own" being sung by the underwhelming voice of an overplayed popstar. How can you not immediately picture the all-wrong image of Taylor Swift, clad in transluscent white, gently strumming her guitar as she accompanies herself to an accoustic version of "On My Own" amidst a beautifully lit meadow, butterflies landing in her hair?

The truth is, no Hollywood starlet would be perfect for Eponine. Both Lea Michele and Evan Rachel Wood were supposedly prominent contenders for the part as well, but there are certainly many people who'd oppose either of them as much as they would Taylor Swift. Because expectations are so especially high when it comes to the portrayal of Eponine, it is only logical that the role go to a girl no one expected or has ever really heard of. This way, no one will be disappointed by a star they hoped would deliver, nor can their disappointment with a bad casting call be validated. It's totally win-win.

The only thing Samantha Barks might need to worry about is those starlets who lost out to her. That Lea Michele seems really feisty.

Image courtesy WENN.com

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Tags: les miserables samantha barks

Comments

Comments on "Taylor Swift rightfully Kanye'd by Samantha Barks"

Yoggy February 07, 2012 | 12:25 AM

Welp. People, just so you know, A LOT of Swift's fans don't really care about Les Mis anyway. You can count me on this group. Why should we bother that she lost to Samantha Barks? You fangirls (both Swift's & Les Mis-ers) are funny btw.

Stephanie February 06, 2012 | 5:33 PM

For those out there dissing Taylor Swift, & the Taylor fans who are dissing the article.... Just SHUT UP! I happen to be a HUGE Taylor Swift fan who is CRAZY about Broadway musicals & Le Mis just happens to be my favorite. Honestly, I probably would have refused to watch the movie if Taylor had been cast as Eponine. It just wouldnt have been right! In fact, it would have been totally WRONG! I love Taylor as a musician and a singer, but when it comes to her singing "On My Own" and living up to the acting specifications of this role...she couldn't do it. I'm not "hating" I'm telling it like it is. Get over it.

Kathy February 06, 2012 | 2:09 PM

As soon as I read your title, I braced myself for some slanted arguments, and you delivered. While I agree that many fans of Les Mis were apalled at Taylor's casting, it's completely unfair for you to say that no "Hollywood starlet" would be suitable for the role. And calling Ms. Swift an "overplayed popstar"? I am not a fan of hers, but where are your manners? You aren't running your own blog here, and you don't have a right to go this far with your opinions.

Reggie February 06, 2012 | 1:09 PM

Looks like Swifties are bitter! Great article! Can't wait for the film.

Truth February 06, 2012 | 12:55 PM

...and the T. Swift fans ATTACK. Hahaha! These comments KILL me. This is a fantastic article, and very true. Thank you, Sara, for writing it. I love the Kanye references. Also, I had no idea there was anything wrong with writing an article that included an opinion -- albeit an opinion held by everyone except T. Swift fans (14-year old girls). Anyway, this will be a MUCH better movie now that she's out of the picture...it actually has a shot for accolades and awards. Kudos to the author of this piece, and the director of the film!

Dan Trotter February 06, 2012 | 9:13 AM

So "Kanyes" is a verb, now?? Whatever. But I am mystified why everyone thinks Swift got "beat out" for a part. For all anyone knows, Taylor is the one who decided she couldn't do it. Swift is currently recording her new album -- certainly her #1 priority -- and needs to be available to promote that album prior to its release, and to tour in support of it afterward. Eponine is no walk-on part, no "Valentine's Day" cameo. Swift would have to weigh her desire for the part over a tour that earns over $100M, sells out back-to-back pro football stadiums. And there's a REASON why that happens: Swift is a spellbinding performer who not only can hit and sustain climactic notes, but also one who COMMUNICATES to the audience (please see her SPEAK NOW tour video 7 min. performance of "Dear John" for one example). Does someone actually believe losing a performer like that who can draw millions to a movie is a good thing??

Henry February 06, 2012 | 8:41 AM

Umm, biased article much? Besides, I for one believe it would have been a positive thing for Taylor to be in it, would have made the production much more different and unique. Also, she is not overplayed and most certainly not underwhelming. The author of this is a shame to their profession.

SD Swiftie February 06, 2012 | 8:07 AM

While "theater nerds" may breathe a collective sigh of relief, truth is they just lost a huge audience that now will have no interest in seeing it. I would have gone because I love TS. Without her, it's just another obnoxious broadway musical.

Terri Greenwood February 06, 2012 | 5:59 AM

Is this an op-ed piece or a supposed example of unbiased and informative entertainment news? In either case it falls far short of the mark of journalism. No facts checked as to who was actually 'officially and publically' offered the part prior to Samantha being announced as Eponine,or the fact that Samantha has played the role before and is infact quite well nown in British theatre circles, just a rant about who Sara thinks is suitable as if her opinion carries all the weight in the world. To give even the slightest indication that Kanye's behaviour at the VMA's was acceptable in any way shape or form is disgusting and petty. I really pity you Sara, you're obviously a very sad and troubled individual with a horrfingly high opinion of your own opinion.

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