AceShowbiz -

Four beautiful stars are reportedly in the running to tackle an important role in "Les Miserables". According to New York Post, Taylor Swift, Lea Michele, Scarlett Johansson and Evan Rachel Wood auditioned to play Eponine in the musical film.

It will be a difficult choice for director Tom Hooper since each of the starlets has her own acting and musical talent. A source said that Michele "knocked it out of the park" when she auditioned for "The King's Speech" director. Besides, she's experienced in playing young Cosette in the Broadway take on "Les Miserables".

Johansson, meanwhile, is praised because she "brings acting ability and she can really sing." As for Wood, the actress "brings her indie cred." The source additionally said that the Swift casting will mark the country singer's major move to Hollywood.

In the Victor Hugo's classic novel, Eponine a.k.a the Jondrette girl is described as a child who is pampered by her parents, The Thenardiers, before she ends up becoming a street urchin as she grows up. Eponine then falls in love with a man named Marius and dies trying to save his life.

"Les Miserables" has already tapped Anne Hathaway to play female lead Fantine, Hugh Jackman to star as leading man Jean Valjean, and Russell Crowe to portray police inspector Javert. Eddie Redmayne and Geoffrey Rush also support the movie.

Written by William Nicholson, "Les Miserables" centers on the struggle by ex-con Valjean to outrun his past and his relentless pursuer Javert. The original play was opened in London back in 1985. It featured popular songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Bring Him Home". Universal Pictures has scheduled to release the film in U.S. theaters on December 7, 2012, just in time for next year's Oscar race.