Helena Bonham Carter to Play Madame Thenardier in LES MIS Film?

With the news today that Russell Crowe has joined the highly anticipated musical film adaptation of LES MISERABLES alongside Hugh Jackman, the question is what other high-profile stars could step into the movie.

Director Tom Hooper has reportedly offered the role of Mme. Thenardier to Helena Bonham Carter. Says The Daily Mail's Baz Bamigboye, "Carter has been asked by Hooper to play the ghastly Madame Thenardier, after the actress portrayed the Queen Mother in Hooper’s The King’s Speech."

Carter is no stranger to movie musicals; she played Mrs. Lovett in the 2007 film adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's SWEENEY TODD, opposite Johnny Depp as the title character. 

She also starred in films such as Big Fish, Planet of the Apes, Corpse Bride and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. She's perhaps best known, however, for her role in the Harry Potter series of films and her recent Oscar nominated turn in The King's Speech.

There's been no word yet as to whether or not Carter will accept the role, but the inclusion of big names, including Anne Hathaway as Fantine, is certainly building buzz for the movie. As far as the talent behind those names, those close to the production have faith in the cast, saying that even Crowe - who's generally not associated with musicals - is working hard on the film. "It was quite a brave thing that Russell did," the source says, "he worked for the role."

LES MIS is currently slated for a December 2012 release, and will begin filming early next year in the UK.

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