'Les Miserables' plucks Eponine from stage

After a long search for the right femme to play Eponine in its "Les Miserables" adaptation, Universal has tapped Samantha Barks, who had previously played the role in a 2010 London stage production of the Victor Hugo classic. Pic already stars Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway and Amanda Seyfried. "The King's Speech" helmer Tom Hooper will direct. Hooper and Universal had put out a wide search for their Eponine, at one point considering Taylor Swift and Lea Michelle. But they settled on Barks, who played the song-belting street urchin in the 2010 London production of "Les Miz," and reprised the role last year in the show's 25th anniversary concert at the O2 Arena. William Nicholson Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schoenberg adapted the Hugo novel for the bigscreen, where it bows Dec. 7. Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner will produce for Working Title alongside Cameron Mackintosh and Debra Hayward. Barks is repped by United Agents in the U.K. Contact Justin Kroll at justin.kroll@variety.com

Robert Hegyes dies at 60

Robert Hegyes, who played Juan Epstein, one of the so-called Sweathogs on the 1970s ABC comedy "Welcome Back Kotter," died from an apparent heart attack Thursday morning in Metuchen, N.J. He was 60. In "Kotter" Hegyes co-starred alongside a young John Travolta as the half-Jewish, half-Puerto Rican high school student whose full name was Juan Luis Pedro Phillipo de Huevos Epstein. Later the actor was a regular on CBS crime drama "Cagney and Lacey," on which he played an undercover cop. Born in New Jersey to a Hungarian father and Italian mother, Hegyes studied theater at Rowan U. and began his career onstage. He portrayed Chico Marx in "An Evening With Groucho" and later said he based his performance of Epstein on the frenetic (if silent) Marx brother. He made his first smallscreen appearance on "The Streets of San Francisco" in 1975 and guested on a variety of TV shows, including "CHiPs," "NewsRadio" and "Diagnosis Murder." He also appeared on a number of gameshows, on a 1995 episode of "Saturday Night Live" and as himself on a 1998 episode of "The Drew Carey Show." The actor also did some teaching at Rowan U. and elsewhere. Hegyes and most of the rest of the "Kotter" cast reunited last year at the TV Land Awards on the occasion of the show's 35th anniversary. He also appeared last year on "Good Morning America." Hegyes was the cousin of Jon Bon Jovi. He was married and divorced three times and is survived by two children, two stepchildren and three siblings. Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com

Empire's Avengers Covers Assemble

Plus Hunger Games and Bourne Legacy!The completely new problem of Empire hits shelves now (Thursday The month of the month of january 26, fact fans) which is a doozy. We've switched all Nick Fury and set together The Avengers exactly the same shape as four barnstorming superhero covers. Choose of Black Widow, Thor, Iron Guy and CaptainAmerica. Awesome, non?The best gathering of superpower in movie history happens inside the problem. It is really an exclusive, access-all-areas set report within the Marvel blockbuster's Cleveland set. Empire taken up while using whole crew, additionally to some certain villain in the piece. "They are fully aware who he's now, and what his forces are," states Tom Hiddleston of Loki. "To make sure that The Avengers to obtain together, Loki must be menacing, as well as his malevolence is founded in the completely delusional dream." Alongside the mighty Avengers, there's another helping of Jeremy Renner - this time around around altering bow for hands gun in Bourne Legacy - a worldwide-exclusive group of The Hunger Games, which we reunite the cast of yank Cake for just about any must-see photoshoot. All this movie miracle is onsale if the month's Empire hits newsstands on Thursday.

VIDEO: A Night Time With 'My Week With Marilyn'

Fresh off SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for his or her operate in "My Week With Marilyn," stars Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh spoke to Back Stage and SAG Foundation visitors carrying out a screening from the film Jan. 6. It stories the building of the film "The Prince and also the Showgirl," with Branagh playing actor-director Laurence Olivier and Williams dealing with the role from the legendary Lana Turner.Williams says director Simon Curtis offered her the part with no audition, but she really desired to audition. "It is a funny factor. I recall waiting during the day after i wouldn't need to audition again and again again," Williams stated. "However I desired to know which i could get it done, and that i wanted someone else to inform me by having an empirical knowning that I possibly could actually get it done.InchBecause it switched out, because of some time and arranging constraints, she never did formally audition, but it is obvious in the rave reviews that Williams is ideal for the role. Actually, the crowd not just gave both stars standing ovations once they were introduced, but also gave the big event a standing ovation if this was over. By Jenelle Riley The month of january 14, 2012 PHOTO CREDIT Kevin Parry Fresh off SAG Award and Golden Globe nominations for his or her operate in "My Week With Marilyn," stars Michelle Williams and Kenneth Branagh spoke to Back Stage and SAG Foundation visitors carrying out a screening from the film Jan. 6. It stories the building of the film "The Prince and also the Showgirl," with Branagh playing actor-director Laurence Olivier and Williams dealing with the role from the legendary Lana Turner.Williams says director Simon Curtis offered her the part with no audition, but she really desired to audition. "It is a funny factor. I recall waiting during the day after i wouldn't need to audition again and again again," Williams stated. "However I desired to realize that I possibly could get it done, and that i wanted someone else to inform me by having an empirical knowning that I possibly could actually get it done.InchBecause it switched out, because of some time and arranging constraints, she never did formally audition, but it is obvious in the rave reviews that Williams is ideal for the role. Actually, the crowd not just gave both stars standing ovations once they were introduced, but additionally gave the big event a standing ovation if this was over.

Canadian producer has laugh-line to U.S.

Thunderbird Films 'Mr. Young' may be the first American-style sitcom to shoot in Vancouver. Vancouver-based entertainment production and distribution company Thunderbird Films is altering the way in which Canada will get its laffs.Already taking pleasure in some success with dramas "Endgame" and "Intelligence," Thunderbird became a member of forces with Serta Signer ("The Suite Existence of Zack and Cody") to produce "Mr. Youthful," a show in regards to a 14-year-old child prodigy who, after finishing college, dates back to senior high school like a science teacher.The show was rapidly offered to YTV, a Canadian youth-specific funnel, and, right after, to Disney XD, which airs Signer's "Ant Farm.""Mr. Youthful" has since been put into primetime, whilst keeping its original timeslot. "Therefore it airs a great deal,Inch states Thunderbird's leader, Michael Shepard.Nevertheless its recognition informs only area of the show's story. "Mr. Youthful" may be the first multicamera comedy to shoot in B.C. before an active audience. Since there is no soundstage in Vancouver that may accommodate the development, Thunderbird built its very own by transforming a 70,000-sq.-foot. warehouse in Burnaby, B.C.Based on Shepard, Thunderbird desired to emulate the American sitcom model, and allocated the show similarly. "Our plan was always to market (the show) towards the U.S.," he states.Shepard characteristics "Mr. Young's" success largely towards the immediate response from the live audience if your joke is not working, it may be re-written around the place."We are by pointing out jokes," he states. "Lots of kids' shows will also be about getting an arc, plus some relationship or moral -- we've none of this. We are just attempting to be funny."A tape from the show, that is particularly well-liked by teenage women, is really a four-to-five-hour experience, and it has become similar to a show inside a show. The development serves audiences pizza, includes a stand-up comedian perform between takes, as well as hosts talent competitions. People are available in costumes. Performers perform throughout."We are wishing that we have produced a brand new industry here," states Thunderbird Boss Tim Gamble, "Sitcom is really a proven commodity (in Canada)."Thunderbird loves the format a lot that it's set on developing more laffers. Included in this is really a primetime multicamera show, "Bundle," a grownup comedy in regards to a effective more youthful brother who lives with and appears as much as his two controlling older siblings. Thunderbird is joining up with author-producer Andrew Orenstein ("3rd Rock In the Sun," "Everyone Hates Chris," "Malcolm in the centreInch) on the program, that will shoot in Vancouver, and aims to become similar in tone to "2 . 5 Males" and "The Large Bang Theory." "Packed Deal," too, is specific towards the U.S. in addition to Canada.The resolve for the sitcom format has not stored Thunderbird from tossing its hat in to the feature film ring. It lately committed to the actual privileges to "Edge Runner," which Ridley Scott is placed to direct either like a prequel or follow up for Alcon Entertainment. "For all of us it had been an chance to engage in holding a bit of that franchise," Gamble states.Shepard adds, "It is a sci-fi brand which means a lot to a lot of people. From the long term perspective it's value that's really attractive."However, Gamble keeps, "Our focus, really, is television. We have found a distinctive chance with this particular sitcom model. It utilizes many people, it is good work, it is good business and that we get people to laugh." Contact the range newsroom at news@variety.com

Google partners with OnLive

Gaming streaming service OnLive has already established another large step towards mass-market transmission. Google has became a member of using the organization and may begin supplying the service through its Google TV distribution partners. Although the organization will initially offer just social features, it expects to allow clients play popular console and Video games inside the several days later on. ''Consumers have began to anticipate instant gratification with music, movies and video,'' mentioned Steve Perlman, founder and Boss of OnLive. ''Now players in the usa and very soon inside the Uk can much like easily stream the finest-quality games for his or her Google TV items for play instantly if needed, without dvd disks or downloads.'' Google TV might have become away and off to a rocky come from 2010, but is really a familiar title as of this year's CES. Vizio, LG and Samsung all introduced expects to start supplying the service inside their approaching televisions. (Original partner The brand new the new sony continues doing exactly the same.) The business spent lots of a year ago reworking the equipment, moving it for the honeycomb android platform and adding a credit card applicatoin market. OnLive, which enables players rent or buy cloud-based versions of popular new games. Because the games are situated remotely, players don't have to possess a effective system to use this program at its finest designs. The business recently introduced expects to permit tablet entrepreneurs to see traditional PC and console games by themselves tablet items. OnLive doesn't discuss the particular size its customers list, stating discretion clauses having its author partners, but Perlman states the client count is ''in the millions''. Contact the number newsroom at news@variety.com

Which One Tree Hill Character Gets Fat for the Final Season?

One Tree Hill, Lee Norris When One Tree Hill returns on Wednesday (8/7c, CW) one character will be virtually unrecognizable. "Mouth [has] gained about 60 pounds," Lee Norris tells TVGuide.com. "He's undergone a physical transformation ... but what is really going to interest the audience is why this transformation happened." The cast of One Tree Hill shares their all-time favorite episodes When we last saw Marvin "Mouth" McFadden, he and girlfriend Millie (Lisa Goldstein) had begun their very own morning show. While the two are still at it when the show returns, they'll have a lot on their plate. Castmate Rob Buckley has hinted that one of the major characters would die. Is Mouth's weight gain a symptom of a life-threatening illness? Is it due to emotional issues? "I was so adamant about handling this topic with respect because I know so many people that struggle with it," he says. "I didn't want it to be one of the broader comedic things on the show; I wanted it to be an issue that people identify with." "Skills" returning to One Tree Hill for final episode Norris said that he didn't actually gain the weight, but that he spent four hours in makeup every morning to complete the look. "It was an amazing opportunity to tackle something [he] never thought I'd never get to do," he says. Check back for more on One Tree Hill's final season.

Tend To Be More Real Average women Within The Works?

First Released: The month of january 4, 2012 5:07 PM EST Credit: Access Hollywood Caption Bravo boss and What What Goes On Live host Andy Cohen visits Access Hollywood Survive The month of january 4, 2012LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Watch What Goes On Live host and Bravo executive Andy Cohen is riding high in success from the Real Average women franchise but may be the network likely to highlight the women of other metropolitan areas? Andy stopped by Access Hollywood Survive Wednesday where he says crop of current locations NY City, Beverly Hillsides, Atlanta, Oc and Nj may be it, a minimum of for the moment. I believe were good at this time, he told Billy Rose bush and Package Hoover when requested if Bravo would expand the series. Washington D.C. and Miami versions from the series were formerly axed through the network. Additionally to Average women success, Andy is growing the systems late evening talk show from two nights per week to 5, beginning this Sunday on The month of january 8. Its likely to be challenging, but Im excited, Andy stated of his late evening reveal that features Bravo stars, popular culture symbols and lots of on-air shenanigans. For additional with Andy, including how he and Bravo made the decision to softly handle the current dying of Russell Remedy around the Real Average women of Beverly Hillsides, click the link. Watch What Goes On Live airs live Sunday through Thursday at 11 PM EST. Copyright 2012 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Watercooler: They're Kidding About Work It, Right?

Ben Koldyke, Amaury Nolasco If you don't have something nice to say, watch Work It. This mess will give you every reason to say something mean. Hell, even our own Matt Roush has declared it "an instant early candidate for Worst Show of 2012" and he's one of the nicest guys in the business! Clearly inspired by Early Man's dumber cousin, this Bosom Buddies abomination about an unemployed sales-tool named Lee and his stereotypically Latino pal who don drag to land a job with a female-heavy pharmaceuticals company has been accused of being offensive to the transgender community. But why stop there? Between the prostate exams-as-rape jokes, the requisite misogynistic fat friend who talks about being used as a sex slave "when the women take over," and the cross-dressing montage set to the Black Eyed Peas (yes, it's that bad), this thing is offensive to everyone with a pulse, no matter how they dress. Really, it's a hate crime against comedy. Worse yet, Work It wastes the luminous glory that is Lost's Rebecca Mader. Here saddled with the role of the savvy office bitch who's obviously not savvy enough to notice her giant new colleagues' wigs, Adam's apples and man hands, Mader's squandered skills glare against the sub-sophomoric writing, the dollar-store production values and an unrepentant lack of humor - despite the hardest working laugh track in history. Here's hoping the show will meet a speedy but deserved demise so Mader will be free to Work her wiles somewhere more worthwhile. Did you watch Work It? Are you OK? Do you need us to call someone for you? Subscribe to TV Guide Magazine today!

Malaysia preps for completely new Pinewood studio

With Pinewood Iskandar Malaysia Art galleries due to open every year, the completely new director general of Malaysia's film development org Finas was already prone to transform the Southeast Asian nation in to a place to choose filmmakers worldwide, striving to herald $1 billion yearly making some 10,000 jobs by 2020. Response to Mohd Naguib Razak's plans, the studio continues to be developed incorporated inside a proper agreement involving the U.K.'s Pinewood art galleries as well as the Malaysian government's investment holding arm, Khazanah Nasional Berhad. The complex might have 100,000 sq foot of filming stages and 24,000 sq foot of TV art galleries, offices, courses and publish facilities. "Pinewood Art galleries will probably be a game title title-changer," Razak mentioned. "We must ensure all the infrastructure is at place." Among other tools at Razak's disposal are co-production pacts together with other nations in south-east Asia, additionally to help afield. "The us government generates for me a mandate to find out where our ecosystem needs adjustment or recalibration," mentioned Razak, a documentary- maker and producer who started at Finas in September. "In Malaysia we have had economic transformation now there's recognition that content would bring the nation forward." Malaysia does not have co-production contracts so far, but Razak mentioned talks have been in an expert stage with Screen Australia, which he wanted a deal might be introduced early this year. Finas may also be in ongoing discussions while using Media Development Authority in Singapore, Razak mentioned, adding that he's speaking while using U.K. and France about producing Malaysia single-stop center for foreign producers. Incentives are increasingly being spoken about. "We have such diversity, but we must play catch-on incentives," Ruzak mentioned. "They ought to be in place by 2013." Contact Variety Staff at news@variety.com