Prepare to get your Broadway on. Universal has set director Tom Hooperâs (The Kingâs Speech) adaptation of Les Miserables for a December 7, 2012 release date. Not only that, but Deadlineâs report confirms that Russell Crowe will be starring as the nefarious Javert opposite Hugh Jackmanâs Jean Valjean. This is quite an impressive roundup for the musical flick, and if any of the other casting rumors end up to be true it only gets better. William Nicholson (Elizabeth: The Golden Age) wrote the script based on Victor Hugoâs novel and the stage musical.This news comes on the heels of word that production on James Mangoldâs The Wolverine has been pushed back to next year. Mark Bomback is currently rewriting Christopher McQuarrieâs screenplay. Although I wasnât the biggest fan of The Kingâs Speech, count me as one of those excited for this adaptation. Croweâs no stranger to the music scene, as he takes his band âRussell Crowe and the Ordinary Fear of Godâ very seriously.[Update: THR also reports that Helena Bonham Carter is now officially in talks to star in the film as Thenardier's greedy wife]