‘Les Misérables’ pics gallery: First look at cast of BBC’s epic new mini-series

The BBC has released the first promotional photos for its new Les Misérables adaptation.

With scripts written by Andrew Davies (Pride and PrejudiceMr Selfridge), the upcoming mini-series began filming in Belgium and Northern France earlier this year.

The six-part drama stars Dominic West (The Affair, The Hour) as Jean Valjean, David Oyelowo (Selma, Spooks) as Javert and Lily Collins (Tolkien) as Fantine.

First published in 1862, Victor Hugo’s novel tells the story of Jean Valjean, a former convict unable to escape the shadow of his past life, and his relentless pursuit by the chilling police officer Javert.

The BBC has revealed that the mini-series will “go back to the original novel and delve deep into the many layers of Hugo’s story.”

The cast also includes Josh O’Connor (The Durrells) as Marius, Ellie Bamber (Nocturnal Animals) as Cosette, and Erin Kellyman (Raised By Wolves) as Éponine, with Adeel Akhtar (Victoria & Abdul) and Olivia Colman (The Crown) playing Monsieur and Madame Thénardier.

Unlike 2012’s movie adaptation of Les Misérables, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, the BBC’s interpretation will not be based on the 1980 musical.

The new Les Misérables will air on BBC One in the UK this autumn, and on Masterpiece on PBS in the US in late 2018 or early 2019.