'Les Miserables' moves to Christmas Day Russell Crowe and Hugh Jackman in "Les Miserables." Laurie Sparham / Universal Pictures September 18, 2012, 11:59 a.m. Universal Pictures announced Tuesday that the North American release date for "Les Miserables" has moved to Christmas Day, from its original date of Dec. 14. On its new date, "Les Mis" is set to match up against Quentin Tarantino's "Django Unchained" and two comedies: "The Guilt Trip," starring Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand, and "Parental Guidance," starring Billy Crystal and Bette Midler. On its previous release date, the film would have contended with "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," Peter Jackson's highly anticipated return to the J.R.R. Tolkien universe. The musical version of "Les Miserables" is directed by Tom Hooper, the Academy Award-winning director of 2010's "The King's Speech," and adapted from the long-running stage production (with music by Claude-Michel Schonberg and English lyrics by Herbert Kretzmer), which itself is based on the 1862 novel by Victor Hugo. Set in 19th century France, the film stars Hugh Jackman in the lead role of Jean Valjean, an ex-prisoner who breaks parole and is hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert, played by Russell Crowe. The film also stars Anne Hathaway as Fantine, Amanda Seyfried as Cosette and Samantha Barks as Eponine. View a teaser for the film below. Third "Hobbit" movie confirmed for summer 2014 Hugh Jackman gets new song for "Les Miserables" movie Tom Hooper could direct "Les Miserables" musical, could have directed "Iron Man 3"