AceShowbiz -

Another big Hollywood star is cast in "Les Miserables". It has been confirmed that Russell Crowe signed up to take a role in the big screen adaptation of the Broadway play, portraying the heartless police inspector Javert.

Crowe's character will encounter Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean when the police inspector persecutes the impoverished man for stealing bread to feed his family. Speaking of these two lead actors, producer Sir Cameron MacKintosh said, "Not only were they born to play these roles vocally, but they thrillingly inhabit this great score."

Along with the Crowe casting, Universal Pictures has also set a release date for the drama musical film. It is plotted to arrive in theaters across the United States on December 7, 2012, right in the center of Oscar season.

"Les Miserables" film version has a script written by William Nicholson based on Victor Hugo's sprawling 1862 novel. Tom Hooper is on board to serve as a director, while Anne Hathaway was recently rumored to play Fantine.

Russell Crowe has wrapped the production for another Universal's film "The Man with the Iron Fist". He also lands a role as Jor-El in upcoming Superman movie "Man of Steel".