Is she or isn't she? The internet was set on fire with the news of Taylor Swift's casting in the film version of "Les Miserables," but has Cameron Mackintosh put out the fire?

Well, what a difference a couple of weeks can make. After voicing my concerns about the casting of Taylor Swift in the movie version of the musical Les Miserables, it seems that either she hadn’t actually been cast, or the producers thought better of their decision and quickly uncast her. Now, let me emphasize again, I have nothing against Ms. Swift in general. She seems to be a sweet girl, and she definitely has talent. I just didn’t think she had the pipes or the acting chops to tackle the role of Eponine, and those who knew more about the show felt the same way. Just have a look at the clip below from the 25th anniversary concert and tell me that Taylor could have hit some of those notes (and did I mention that all of the singing on film will be done live?).

And now you know who has actually been cast in the role — Samantha Barks. The show’s producer made the announcement on stage at the Manchester Palace in England where Barks is currently playing Nancy in Oliver! The audience was thrilled and Barks was taken by surprise, tweeting afterwards, “Most incredible moment of my life!!!! X”

I have to give a tip of my hat to Cameron Mackintosh, director Tom Hooper and the studio for casting a relative unknown in the role, especially for a film that is heavy on superstar names — Hugh Jackman (Jean Valjean), Russell Crowe (Javert), Anne Hathaway (Fantine), Amanda Seyfried (Cosette), Eddie Redmayne (Marius), Aaron Tveit (Enjolras), and Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter (the Thenardiers). Casting an unknown with proven theatrical experience (Barks played the role not only in the concert version, but on stage in her West End debut) will give the role much more weight than it would have with Swift, whose previous acting credits are slim at best. Besides Eponine and Nancy, Barks has also played Sally Bowles in Cabaret and Aladdin in Aladdin. And the tween crowd may also know her from the Disney Channel series Groove High.

So, the question now it, was Taylor Swift ever really cast, or did we all just buy into some “leaked” information to judge how fans would react to the casting news? Whatever happens, I’m sure Swift will continue to have a long-lasting, successful career and I wish her nothing but the best. I am, however, thrilled that someone else will be playing Eponine.

Photo Credit: Cameron Mackintosh Limited