Scarlett Johansson - Samantha Barks Beats Hollywood A-list To Land Les Miserables Film Role

Evan Rachel Wood was also rumoured to be vying for the part of Eponine in Tom Hooper's upcoming movie-musical, while Glee star Michele recently admitted it would be "embarrassing" if she didn't land the job due to expectations from fans.

Hooper has now chosen Barks for the role following her stint playing the character on the West End stage in 2010 and a representative from Universal Pictures announced the news on Tuesday (31Jan12).

Barks has revealed she is delighted to have landed the role, saying in a statement, "I can't believe I'm going to play Eponine, a role so close to my heart, a role I played in the West End. It's the happiest moment of my life."

She will appear alongside Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Amanda Seyfried, who have already signed up as castmembers.

Shooting is scheduled to begin in March (12).