Les Miz Standout Samantha Barks Tapped for Movie Musical About 1919 Canadian Labor Strikes

After charming California in the world premiere of Amélie, Samantha Barks will return to the screen in the film adaptation of Strike!, a 2005 musical about the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919. Composer and producer Danny Schur told the Winnipeg Free Press that the Les Miserables star will take on the role of suffragette Rebecca in the film, which is scheduled to shoot this summer.

The film will also feature Alan Doyle of the Canadian folk band Great Big Sea and Barenaked Ladies’ Steven Page. Schur collaborated with Rick Chafe on the screen adaptation of their musical. Joseph Novak will direct.

In addition to playing Eponine both on stage and screen, the Les Miz darling has appeared on stage in City of Angels, Cabaret, Oliver! and Chicago. Her additional upcoming film projects include Bitter Harvest and A Hundred Streets. No official word yet if she will reprise her title performance in Amélie once it eventually heads to Broadway.

Strike! depicts an ill-fated love story between Stefan, the godson of a Ukranian immigrant working in Canada and his Jewish neighbor Rebecca. The show has received multiple stagings in Canada, one of which was recorded for CBC Radio. A short film adaptation was produced in 2007; check out a clip below.