Les Misérables - On Set: Colm Wilkinson

Musical legend Colm Wilkinson plays the Bishop in Les Misérables. Learn more about his role here.
In UK Cinemas January 11, 2013
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Missed the Teaser video?
Watch it here: • Les Misérables Teaser
Les Misérables is the motion-picture adaptation of the beloved global stage sensation seen by more than 60 million people in 42 countries and in 21 languages around the globe and still breaking box-office records everywhere in its 27th year. Helmed by The King's Speech's Academy Award®-winning director, Tom Hooper, the Working Title/Cameron Mackintosh production stars Hugh Jackman, Oscar® winner Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole. When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.
In January 2013, the world's longest-running musical brings its power to the big screen in Tom Hooper's sweeping and spectacular interpretation of Victor Hugo's epic tale. With international superstars and beloved songs-including "I Dreamed a Dream," "Bring Him Home," "One Day More" and "On My Own"-Les Misérables, the show of shows, is now reborn as the cinematic musical experience of a lifetime.
Genre: Musical Epic
Cast: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Eddie Redmayne, Aaron Tveit, Samantha Barks, with Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen
Directed by: Tom Hooper
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward, Cameron Mackintosh
Executive Producers: Liza Chasin, Angela Morrison
Based on the Stage Musical: Boublil and Schönberg's Les Misérables from the novel by Victor Hugo

[@Mcommander23]

Easy for him to say. For the last 30 years the actors playing Valjean haven't tried to be Valjean, they have tried to be Colm Wilkinson.

[@noctiliathedoll]

Basically Valjean traveled back in time to help himself ;D

[@cheriqui]

I had no clue that he was in the movie. I went with my husband to see it, and I can tell you I literally squealed with excitement in the middle of the theater and exclaimed "OH MY GOD It's Colm Wilkinson!" and with that...I burst into tears. LOL

[@JCpono14]

I know right

[@Abby-km6vr]

I was too young to know about Colm when I first saw the film, but if I could see it for the first time again, with knowledge I now have... I’d start sobbing hysterically.

[@amandasherman8686]

I was so excited when I saw him! I had chills.

[@AnimeLady501]

"he did things with that role that were not originally written...damn him!" I love that!

[@malloryfallon6394]

he was legit saying that as i read this comment

[@Abby-km6vr]

1:55 singing a parody-song, probably without having warmed up, during an interview... What a legend.

[@HaydenofEverything]

How foolish of you to assume that Colm Wilkinson's voice is ever cold

[@mermaidguitarist]

What a phenomenal voice and he still sang the parody better than Hugh Jackman LOL!

[@leann357]

I was beyond thrilled to see Colm in this movie! I do wish they had found a place for Philip Quast as well, but I'm still happy Colm was in there.

[@ScottSpotMedia]

The whole shame of the movie was Russell Crowe as Javert. Just a horrible singer and it brought the whole movie down. Philip Quast or anybody else should have been Javert.

[@harrisonwaterhouse5051]

TheScottSpot that’s a very narrow minded way of looking at it. He gave Javert a more human feel rather than just the classic antagonist and what you perceive to be his bad singing was likely a decision made for him to have a different side to his character

[@spellywelly]

@@harrisonwaterhouse5051 I didn’t actually see any of the lawful neutral inquisitor with imprisonment or simply law as his inquisition in Crowe’s portrayal - and that’s the character of Javert. He’s crippled by discipline.. it’s his metronome, his compass. He never introduces self-serving motives or malice into the equation and his whole world is hanging from a very fragile thread of misguided fundamentalism. Quast juxtaposed the rigidity with vulnerability. You really do feel the tragedy when he dies. No disrespect to Crowe but, vocal ability aside, his portrayal left me feeling he didn’t quite understand the character he was playing.

[@Esgles]

@@mike.marziliano24601 but Philip isn’t the original. That would be Roger Allam

[@prj492]

@@ScottSpotMediaRussell sang better than Hugh in the movie

[@Light_love8]

I love the parody of "Bring him home" 😊

[@kagisoleshona8624]

Colm was a pleasant surprise to cameo in the movie. He is still amazing even as a Bishop!

[@AliciaNyblade]

Colm singing the "Bring Him Home" parody was the best. The minute Hugh brought it up, I was like, "I wonder if Colm's seen that?" and then it cut to him singing it. Brilliant. XD

[@codymays9943]

Alicia Nyblade It’s amazing what a combination of talent and good health can do for older performers. Such a legend.

[@Duphe]

the scene in the monastery is one of the best in the movie: "But my friend you left so early Surely something slipped your mind You forgot I gave these also; Would you leave the best behind?" epic moral education

[@shenazyusoof2360]

Duphe I love this part too

[@bridlah]

I think this was my favourite relationship of the whole film: Hugh and Colm. As Cameron says here, it was so right having Colm as that figure of authority and guidance. You could see how in awe Hugh was of Colm too, especially at the end.

[@estellehobbins1928]

a very emotional scene where Colm hands the candles to Hugh...but I think the original words "I have Bought your soul for God" should not have been changed

[@Psnowdog7]

It's so weird hearing Colm speak. If I were blind, I'd have said they were two different people.

[@malloryfallon6394]

Sarah Remmel same

[@ralphangelotactay2952]

Colm's performance as Jean Valjean is so fad the best ever!

[@Kerriangel]

My reaction to his appearance in the movie. Me: Is that Colm Wilkinson? *Colm starts singing* Me: Yep, that's the original Valjean

[@1bunung]

Almost the same here: "Oh, he sounds familiar He sounds like . . like Colm Wilkinson It IS Colm Wilkinson! Valjean!!!"

[@luigicavallo270]

@@1bunung I was like: "This guy looks like Colm Wilkinson...." Bishop: But remember this...my bruother! "Yup...he's definitely Colm Wilkinson!"

[@karmalevel]

Colm rocks

[@LinkMLT]

Don't get me wrong here...Jackman is an amazing Valjean ... but noone can beat the awesome Colm Wilkinson .. the way he sings Bring him home or Who am I.. is just incredible ... Hats down :)

[@Stepjer75]

Yes, the symbolic passing of the candlesticks from one who had played the role to the one who was plying it :-)

[@computerpurple]

I LOVE his singing of the song "Music of the Night" which can be seen here on You Tube. I look forward to watching him in this movie. I think i saw the movie many , many years ago but don't recall all the details or even just that plot of the movie.

[@CaptainPikeachu]

Lol I keep giggling them singing "bring it down" and it's nice what Colm says to Hugh, and it's so true, it's important that every actor portraying the same role should find their own spirit for the role and not copy :) Colm is amazing

[@nancycostello945]

I absolutely adore both Colm and Hugh.I was fortunate to see Colm Wilkinson perform the phantom of the opera in Toronto,and he has this amazing affect of calming people down with his beautiful tenor falsetto voice.I am so pleased to have him in Les Mis.He truly is one of the best stage actors i've ever seen and heard.Nancy Costello.

[@veganvanguard8273]

Hugh is a million times better in his audition tapes though. Director reaaaally fucked things up.

[@nessie4215]

I just saw this and the only reason I really cried was because of Colm singing at the end with Hugh. Just having the original in the film was such a gift for the audience. I was so touched by it.

[@leahdavies4267]

Colm's voice draws me in ❤. He will always be my original Val jean ❤

[@nessie4215]

I just saw this and the only reason I really cried was because of Colm singing at the en with Hugh. Just having the original in the film

[@Sierra4435]

Colm Wilkinson has no equal. He is the best in any role he chooses.

[@marcelinon.1897]

I wish that, if ever they'll have another reboot of Les Miserables in the future (which I do not personally wish for to be honest), Hugh Jackman would be the next Bishop of Digne, so that the tradition of "Valjean passing the candlesticks to the next Valjean" should go on.

[@luigicavallo270]

With Daniel Huttlestone (Gavroche in the movie) as Valjean!

[@itsUnicole]

Colm is amazing

[@jasoncarpp7742]

I didn't recognise Colm Wilkinson at first. I did recognise his singing, and I thought "I know that voice!" Beautiful movie! Beautiful singing! If you're not brought to tears with movie, there's something wrong with you.

[@shenazyusoof2360]

I hv saved your soul for god How beautiful very very touching. Every time I travel on emirates I watched this movie and this song is played first. Tears roll down my eyes It touches the soul. Thank u for this movie Best ever movie in all times. I don’t ever think there’ll be another. Hugh jackman Russel crow Anne Hathaway And everyone else were so amazing no words can explain this feeling.

[@kathrynmdesign]

He does that impromptu satire song in his interview and it’s still the most. Beautiful. Thing. Forget it - thank you for that falsetto.

[@davidbreen6335]

Giving him a role in the Les Mis film was class act. I saw Colm do a fund raiser concert for PBS in 1997 and you could tell hearing him talk he is very grateful not just for his success but for the millions of people who support him even today. Thank You Colm Wilkinson.

[@jaynemcfadden3361]

This was my intro to Les Mis. I love it. Since the movie I have seen the show in London and I also saw Colm sing in Dublin in 2017. He just rocks .

[@andrewbloom7694]

It's astonishing his head voice is still that good at his age

[@littleraeofsunshine]

Colm Wilkinson is the only actor to actually get the character of the bishop right and it’s beautiful 🥲

[@MyAngel278]

Idk, he could have been bitter and wanted Hugh to copy him, but he's not; he's just thankful that he gets to be in it, and for what he has done for it before, and it's amazing.

[@nancycostello945]

What an incredible voice(and acting too!)While i've never seen him as Jean Valjean,I was fortunate enough to see him play the phantom in phantom of the opera in Toronto.Amazing talent.He still gives me goosebumps.Nancy costello.

[@janedoex1398]

Get the DVD. Totally worth it!

[@PecanSandees23]

The absolute BEST Jean Valjean: Colm Wilkinson. Thank you for sharing your wonderful talent with us.

[@yasmenlocksly3413]

i loved him on the 10 anniversary of Les Miserables. I loved his singing voice

[@nisibonum7634]

He is my favorite character in the whole film

[@Mastane4]

Colm has such a wonderful voice. I have been listening to him on this soundtrack for so long. It is so great he is part of the movie.

[@mrsbloodshed]

when i saw the film last night my reaction was one of shock, omg poor Colm being cast as the bishop!!! But having watched this I am totally sold and completely see how poignant it is having him in this role.

[@paoyar]

What a classy, handsome and great actor Hugh Jackman is! I am absolutely obsessed with this film!

[@ladkin848]

Colm Wilkinson was and is Valjean... he is the man. Truly wonderful performance and I loved it! Dont get me wrong Hugh is up there... great actor but for me Colm again and again...

[@Sazzledodd]

Colm is amazing - I am so glad he was involved in the film.

[@valentinogal781]

Colm Wilkinson is still our Jean Valjean..it was brilliant to cast him and appropriate.

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

Colm has an amazing singing voice! Even that little blip in this video was heavenly! His role as the bishop was just perfect!

[@hersan33]

He did a brilliant job as the bishop

[@janemcfadden6038]

I fell in love with this film. Since this i have seen les mis in london. Got all 3 Dvds. And i saw Colm sing in Dublin in feb . Hes my idol.

[@Sony0529]

Beautiful voice! I am so glad they put Wilkinson in the movie. Love him

[@SmoothMoonWalker]

I have so much admiration for both Colm and Hugh

[@sunshinepurple1043]

Wow! What an incredible way to not only pass the baton but to come full circle by playing the Bishop.

[@kirsty2010dodgs]

I love how he was involved in this classic and I love it even more how at the end they had him greet Jean Valjean instead of Samantha Barks

[@Looneyboyo]

He totally rocks it, too. Seriously, I've seen that film twice now and he's one of the best things about it

[@lovedbysweetie]

The best vocals EVER ❤️ Colm Wilenson now and the original

[@robertcooney8602]

What a class act - he's one of the greats.

[@rocknroll20024]

i was so happy to see him when i saw him he was really good

[@awesometv6464]

I'm in awe of him!!

[@MsScarlettjlb]

Just saw it today and didn't even need to see Colm's face to know that it was him. His voice is so distinctive!! So glad to see him in the film passing the torch. His voice still makes me cry.

[@NemoKJH]

A living legend

[@cannibalisticrequiem]

That he did. His was my favorite part of the movie!

[@xExpressUrSelfx]

His voice is still incredible for his age. Wow.

[@tomadams2309]

He played a Great Bishop !!!! But he will always be Jean Valjean to me. He proved he still has the voice . Phillip Quest will always be my favorite Javert .

[@jaynemcfadden5367]

Thank you Cameron Mackintosh for seeing how great Lee mis is and creating this. I love Les mis. I adore Colm . And Hugh jackman is awesome ❤❤❤❤❤

[@OldCouches]

Kind of poetic when you look at it this way. Almost like Valjean talking to his younger self

[@Artisan1979]

You could not have asked for a better passing of the torch than casting the man who originated the role of Jean Valjean on Broadway as the Bishop in the film. Brilliant idea because it gives the movie validity and relevance. And yes there is symbolism in the silver candlesticks scene. He is giving this role, this burden, to Jackman.

[@whiterosebabie]

I am so thrilled that Colm Wilkinson was in the movie!

[@Jennjolras]

Ah, so do I. Pure brilliance.

[@gracenemcek4]

Love him so much!!

[@shenazyusoof2360]

I loved this song What we have ,,, we hv to share 😢😢😢😢 How touching

[@SuperElf4ever]

he's amazing

[@Jennjolras]

Bring it doooown. I am crying.

[@melodychien]

i've missed him!

[@richardjones4080]

I have lost count of the number of times I have seen it I in fact own it on dvd

[@ZekeTheDCCat]

Oh my gosh, can Colm Wilkinson get anymore adorable / perfect?! Loved 1:53 😍

[@Dylan_009]

Colm 💚💚💚

[@dotmacis]

He's so down to earth and has been a great friend for many years now!!!! :o)

[@VICTORIAMAKESYOULAUGH]

I knew it as soon as I saw him in it. I said to my son "That was the original Jean Valjean" and I saw him on Broadway 13 times..I was obsessed...lol..still am. saw the movie twice and even sang the songs several times..I wanted to be epinine forever....but that ship has sailed...I am way too old to be her now..but I have enjoyed singing the songs..The play opened on my birthday march 12, 1985 I was 15.

[@Seastorm13]

YEAH: A legend and a Jackman! LOVE IT! :-)

[@lottelarsen2918]

yeah colm is The best😉👍👍

[@Rupertbear27]

as brilliant as ever-----How right is Cameron Mac----Voice from God !!!

[@SavanaMcCabe]

I've seen it 5 times!

[@healthyholemealbread]

I just love Colm Wilkonson, like a liddle teddy bear :DD

[@princessofthestars1992]

so cool

[@nikkidatlangin6603]

go colm!!!!

[@courtneywagg9565]

Love movie 🎥 love the music ❤️🇨🇦

[@hulahoolaXx]

He has a beautiful speaking voice

[@manuelenamorado9634]

He is a boss

[@thevoicexwithin]

I need the song lyrics by him in this scene!!!!! SO AMAZINGLY TOUCHING. THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR GRACE! :)

[@jecka1982]

Wonderful! Dont know what else to say!

[@ViaAvione]

Colm Wilkinson, an Epic Legeng! :D London

[@commander3576]

Not to be dramatic or anything but I’d die for Colm Wilkinson

[@ukmindreader]

Great to see the man himself as the Bishop in the film version. Pleased he gets to pass the candles to Hugh Jackman

[@michelle_elizabeth6181]

0:39 empty chairs and empty tables, where my friends, will meet, no mooooore

[@Ardacalya]

Screaming because Colm Wilkinson

[@dotmacis]

He most certainly did. He was the Toronto production's original Phantom. He played the role in over 1,700 performances over 4 1/2 years.

[@wendyyoung6533]

bring it down~~~

[@VonBraunsky]

When I saw this movie on it's cinematic release in Australia and saw ValJean go to the bishops place I literally spent minutes arguing with myself about whether or not Colm was the bishop, I stuck around to see the credits and was surprised to see Colms name appear

[@SailorPhantom]

Bring him home parody is hilarious! Then Colm started singing and I'm all... Whoa.

[@katelynnkenney9694]

1:53 Me when I meet Colm Wilkinson: God it’s him Just look down Just look down Just look down Can’t look down Can’t look down Can’t look down!

[@dotmacis]

I knew he'd be in it beforehand and I was an absolute basket case when I first saw him. I practically fell out of my seat at the end of the movie, though!!!!

[@Hatice-in8gp]

Colm singing casually bring him home parody sounds better than the whole movie. I still enjoyed the movie tho XD