Those past few months you’ve spent acclimating yourself to the idea of Taylor Swift as Eponine? All for naught! Swift was reportedly the front-runner for the pivotal part in Tom Hooper’s big-screen musical (beating out a bevy of high-profile auditioners, including Lea Michele, Evan Rachel Wood, and Scarlett Johansson), but now comes word that British newcomer Samantha Barks has landed the role instead, as producer Cameron Mackintosh announced the casting today after a Manchester Palace performance of Oliver! in which Barks starred. Like Swift, Barks is also famous for dating a Jonas brother (Nick, not Joe) and you can check out her Les Miz mettle online, since she already performed Eponine’s song “On My Own” for the show’s 25th anniversary concert. Get ready for your thinly veiled diss song, Samantha!
