Eponine Watch: NO TAYLOR SWIFT!!! (Thank, God)

Sing a chorus of Hallelujahs! Shout it from the rooftops! All is well in the world because it was officially announced today (and confirmed by Universal Pictures) that the part of Eponine in the Les Misérables film will not be played by country star, Taylor Swift, as initially reported, but by an actual musical theatre performer. Samantha Barks, who played the part of Eponine in the 25th Anniversary concert, is set to star as the unlucky-in-love street urchin. She received the news today on stage after this evening's performance of Oliver! on the West End where she's been playing the part of Nancy. Les Miz producer, Cameron Macintosh, apparently made the announcement to her in front of the audience. What a dramatic way to announce a casting. It better well be true or that's just a cruel thing to do.

Swift had been in the running with three other well-known actresses and at the beginning of the month, it had been announced she had been offered the part. Did you she turn it down? Why would you audition for something that you obviously want, be offered the part, and then not want to do it? Was it something we said? Maybe she couldn't find a way to make her trademarked Surprised Face work for the character. I don't really give a damn why she's not doing it. I'm just excited that the filmmakers went with Barks.

Filming starts shooting soon and my levels of anticipation and excitement have just gotten higher (I bet you didn't think that was possible). To recap, we officially now have Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Javert, Annie Hathaway as Fantine, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette, Eddie Redmayne as Marius, and Samantha Barks as Eponine. (Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter are still in negotiations to play Eponine's parents, the Thenardiers.) Welcome to the cast, Sam! You are truly a god-sent. Before it's captured on film, let's take a look at the rightful Eponine in action.