Does Taylor Swift have the chops to star in Les Mis?

Country star Taylor Swift is up against Hollywood starlets Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson, and Evan Rachel Wood for the chance to play Eponine in a film adaptation of &quot;Les Miserables.&quot;

(Image credit: Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

last updated 8 January 2015

Taylor Swift has already won nearly ever music award the industry offers. Could an Oscar be next? The pop-country crooner, who had a cameo in last year's A-list ensemble flick Valentine's Day, is in contention to play Eponine in Tom Hooper's (The King's Speech) upcoming film adaptation of the musical Les Miserables. The New York Post reports that Swift is being considered alongside Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson, and Evan Rachel Wood for the chance to play the impoverished, tragically lovesick girl who sings the musical's wrenching ballad, "On My Own." The impressive cast already boasts the likes of Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, and Anne Hathaway. Does the "You Belong With Me" singer belong with this award-worthy bunch?

No way: Swift can carry a tune, says Kevin Jagernauth at Indie Wire. But her film resume is quite limited: It's basically just a blink-and-you'll-miss-it role in Valentine's Day and voicework in the upcoming Lorax adaptation. There's no indication that Swift can handle a meaty role in an Oscar-baiting film. It "seems like a stretch."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Actually, it's not a bad idea: Eponine is a tricky role, and not just because of the acting required, says Jen Chaney at The Washington Post. Fans love Eponine, and "On My Own" is a song that "every teenage musical theater nerd listens to repeatedly while struggling with unrequited feelings for a boy." While Swift's unproven acting skills leave questions about her ability to handle the part's dramatic heft, the numerous songs she's penned about heartbreak suggest she can tap into the necessary emotion. Also a plus: Casting her would instantly sell the movie to her "legions of heart-hand-gesturing" young supporters

Forget it. Lea Michele will nab the part: The New York Post reports that Michele "knocked it out of the park" in her audition, which is no surprise, says Michael Arbeiter at Hollywood. She's played the part at the Hollywood Bowl, sung "On My Own" on Glee, and starred as a young Cosette on Broadway as a little girl. With her pipes and acting chops, "I'd say she's got a fair shot at the title, and is indeed worthy of the cause."

Subscribe to The Week

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox