(Image source: Taylor Swift Official)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

From country star to Broadway belter? Taylor Swift has reportedly been offered the lead in the movie version of Tony-award winning musical ‘Les Miserables.’ KNXV has the story.

“She’s been offered the role of Eponine in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical ‘Les Miserables.’ Swift reportedly beat out Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Evan Rachel Wood for the part. ‘Les Miserables’ will also star Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.”

But 22-year-old Swift’s acting experience is limited. She had a small role in the 2010 film ‘Valentine’s Day’ and appeared in an episode of ‘CSI.’ Idolator says that’s just not enough for such an iconic part.

“ … this show requires extremely gifted actors. It’s a musical, but it’s an emotional drama, too, and director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) certainly knows that by the pedigree of the rest of the cast he’s picked out.”

Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway are also starring in the movie.

And The Washington Post questions Swift’s singing chops, too -- noting that ‘Glee’ star Lea Michele, who Swift beat for the part, has a Broadway background. The Post did a reader poll, and the majority were behind Michele for the part.

“Of the nearly 3,000 people who voted in our poll, 79 percent of voters thought Broadway vet Michele should get the role, compared to Swift’s 6 percent. … Sure, Swift can sing a sad ballad about sitting on the bleachers and pining for a boy. But it’s hard to imagine her belting out the unrequited love anthem, ‘On My Own,’ while wandering the streets of Paris.”

Still, Cinemablend says -- maybe Swift just hasn’t been given a chance.

“ … her acting talents are basically untested. Maybe she went in and nailed the audition and somehow bested a trained theater actress like Michele. Or maybe Hooper is enjoying getting people riled up, amping up the anticipation for his movie all the more.”

It’s also been announced that Amanda Seyfried will play the role of Cosette in the movie. She proved her singing skills in the 2008 movie version of ‘Mamma Mia!’