PRESS ASSOCIATION -- Russell Crowe will be playing vengeful Javert in the Les Miserables film.

The Robin Hood star is confirmed to take the role of the police inspector opposite Hugh Jackman as reformed prisoner Jean Valjean in Tom Hooper's big-screen adaptation of the stage musical, reports Deadline.

The musical's producer Cameron Mackintosh, who will also be co-producing the movie, revealed he was thrilled by the "dream" cast.

"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," he said in a statement.

"Not only were they born to play these roles vocally, but they thrillingly inhabit this great score. Producing this film with Eric Fellner, Working Title and Universal Pictures is indeed a dream come true and I can't wait to hear the people sing at my local cineplex."

Geoffrey Rush is said to be in the running for the part of drunken pub owner Thenardier, while Helena Bonham Carter could be his screen wife Madame Thenardier.

Anne Hathaway is tipped to be offered the role of Fantine, and Emma Watson, Hayden Panettiere, Miranda Cosgrove and Lucy Hale are reportedly vying for the roles of Eponine and Cosette.

The film is expected to start filming in the UK in February 2012, in time for a December 2012 release.