Everybody Raise a Glass! Sacha Baron Cohen Joins Starry Les Miserables Film

Sacha Baron Cohen, best known for the title role in Borat, is the latest star to join Oscar winner Tom Hooper’s film adaptation of Les Miserables, according to U.K. newspaper The Sun. Cohen will play the role of Monsieur Thénardier. The paper also reports that previously speculated Helena Bonham Carter is confirmed as Madame Thénardier. The two stars, who worked together on the film adaptation of Sweeney Todd, will tackle the rousing number “Master of the House.” News of Cohen's casting comes as a surprise since previous reports speculated actor Geoffrey Rush would embody the seedy Thénardier .

Already cast in the Les Miz film are Hugh Jackman as Jean Valjean, Russell Crowe as Inspector Javert, Anne Hathaway as Fantine and Eddie Redmayne as Marius. The roles of Eponine and Cosette have yet to be cast. The film begins production in February 2012.

In addition to Borat and Sweeney Todd, Cohen’s film credits include Brüno, Hugo, Talladega Nights and TV's Da Ali G Show. Need a reminder of Cohen’s singing abilities? Check out the his performance as Pirelli in Sweeney Todd below.