Hugh Jackman has signed up alongside fellow Australian Russell Crowe for upcoming adaptation of the popular musical Les Miserables.

The Wolverine star will play reformed prisoner Jean Valjean who is sent to prison after stealing bread to feed his starving family during the French revolutions of the 19th century. Fellow Hollywood A-lister Crowe has also recently been confirmed as a star in the project and will play policeman Javert. Cameron MACkintosh, the musical's producer who will also be producing the big-screen version told Press Association that he was thrilled that such a cast had been put together "Even though I have dreamt about making the film of Les Miserables for over 25 years, I could never have imagined that we would end up with the dream director Tom Hooper, and the dream cast of Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe as the two great protagonists Jean Valjean and Javert." The film is expected to begin production in February 2012 and is due for release in December 2012.

Hugh Jackman was born in Sydney, Australia and has appeared in a variety of big budget movies including Kate & Leopold, Van Helsing, The Prestige but gained international stardom following his role as Wolverine in the X-Men franchise. He has recently completed filming on action drama Real Steal which is the story set in the near future where giant robots battle in the ring.