Lea, Taylor vie for Les Miserables role

Los Angeles - Lea Michele is in the running to play Eponine in Tom Hooper's Les Miserables.

The Glee actress - who will soon make a break into cinema in romantic comedy New Year's Eve - has auditioned for the role in the film, alongside Taylor Swift, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood, who are all vying for the part.

A source told the New York Post: "Lea knocked it out of the park. Scarlett brings acting ability and she can really sing. Evan Rachel Wood brings her indie cred."

Broadway

If Lea were to be selected for the part, it would not be the first time she has been involved in the production, as she previously played a young Cosette in the Broadway version of the show.

Should Taylor be chosen, it would mark only her second film part following a small role in Valentine's Day.

The Universal movie currently has Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Russell Crowe and Eddie Redmayne lined up for parts.

The film will be the first for British director Tom following on from his Academy Award for the direction of The King's Speech.