First Look: David Oyelowo as Inspector Javert in Les Misérables

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Here is the first image of David Oyelowo in the newest adaption of Victor Hugo’s classic novel Les Miserables. Masterpiece PBS and BBC One are working together to adapt the classic novel with David Oyelowo (The Butler,Selma, A United Kingdom) playing the role of Javert in the upcoming six-part event.   



This version by Andrew Davies is as adaption of the original novel; not the musical. I am excited about David Oyelowo’s casting as this adaption will be “delving deep into the many layers of Valjean and Javert’s cat-and-mouse relationship”. It will be interesting to see what Oyelowo brings to the role in this adaption.



Oyelowo is not the first black man to carry the mantle of Inspector Javert. Norm Lewis has played the character several times to much acclaim. First starring as the inspector in the 2006 Broadway revival, which made Norm Lewis the first African American actor to play the role in a professional English production. He went on to reprise his role in the West End production, at the 25th anniversary concert, as well as The Muny 2013 production.
Tom Shankland is directing.

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