Which actor played Jean Valjean in the 2012 film Les Misérables?

Hugh Jackman played Jean Valjean in the 2012 film Les Misérables. Valjean is the story’s central character: a former prisoner who breaks parole, changes his identity, and spends decades pursued by the uncompromising police inspector Javert. The film is based on the stage musical by Claude-Michel Schönberg, Alain Boublil, and Jean-Marc Natel, which in turn adapts Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel.

Jackman actively wanted the role and approached director Tom Hooper before production began. He prepared extensively with vocal coach Joan Lader and altered his weight to reflect Valjean’s changing circumstances. Unlike many studio musicals, Les Misérables recorded much of its singing live on set, making Jackman’s performance especially demanding.

A common mix-up is confusing Valjean with Javert, who was played by Russell Crowe. Eddie Redmayne portrayed Marius, while Amanda Seyfried played Cosette. The film was released in December 2012 and earned Jackman an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.