From a theater play to a movie, the critically acclaimed 1862 novel of Victor Hugo now hit the small screen. Andrew Davies, who's behind the successful adaptations of "Pride and Prejudice," "War and Peace," and many more, brings the television version of "Les Miserables" on BBC.
Compared to the musical and the 2012 movie starring Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, and Russell Crowe, the six-part "Les Miserables" drama series will be without songs. But just like the film, it has an all-star cast from Dominic West, David Oyelowo, Lily Collins, Adeel Akhtar to Olivia Colman.
In an interview with David Oyelowo, via the South China Morning Post, the "Selma" star revealed "Les Miserables" drawn him back to television because of Andrew Davies' script. "[It was] literally one of the best things I have ever read," he said. "I don't care who you are, I do not think there has been an adaptation as good as this."
It has been a while since someone tries to adapt "Les Miserables" into a different version. So, Andrew Davies thinks this is the best time to make a "revisit." But if fans will miss hearing "I Dreamed a Dream" and "One day More" in the drama series, the 82-year-old writer advised viewers to just "hum the tunes in their head or out loud" if it suits them.
"Les Miserables" follows the story of Jean Valjean (Dominic West), the former prisoner who breaks his parole after getting freed from prison, and Inspector Javert (David Oyelowo), the prison officer who is always following him. Their stories will intertwine with Cosette (Ellie Bamber), Marius (Josh O'Connor), and Eponine's (Erin Kellyman) tales.
Talking about "Les Miserables" production, Dominic West told Metro News Jean Valjean is one of the greatest characters in the world of literature. He also praised Andrew Davies' brilliant adaptation and described it as an "extraordinary role" that an actor can take.
On the other hand, David Oyelowo said it is every actor's dream to play an iconic role like Javert. Add it up with Andrew Davies' work for "Les Miserables," it is beyond the 42-year-old actor's "wildest dreams."
"Les Miserables" production was set across Belgium and Northern France. It recreated the French Revolution's battles that showed how the underdogs at the time stood for themselves and fought the system. The six-part drama series airs every Sunday, starting on December 30, on BBC One at 9 p.m.
