Broadway World has confirmed that offers are now out to country-pop singer Taylor Swift for the role of Eponine and to the opera-trained Mamma Mia! film star Amanda Seyfried as Cosette for the film adaption of Les Miserables.
Taylor beat out Broadway veteran and Glee star Lea Michele, Tony winner Scarlett Johansson, and film veteran Evan Rachel Wood.
The young country singer’s star power and ability to bring a sizable young fan base to the box office when the movie is released must be the attraction for film producers.
Because, unlike her competitors, Taylor hasn’t much acting experience beyond her music videos. (She had one of those cameo thingies in Valentines Day) And her thin vocals–hardly Broadway-big– have a tendency to go off pitch when she sings live.
Overlooking Broadway pros when it’s time to cast the movie version of the musical is nothing new, however. The classic example is the vocally challenged Audrey Hepburn landing the role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady over Broadway star, Julie Andrews. But, at least Audrey already had an established reputation as a fine actress.
Fire up that auto-tune! And bring in the acting coach. Taylor is going to need some help.
