Tom Hooper in talks for 'Les Miserables'

Tom Hooper is expected to take on Universal's adaptation of Les Miserables as his next project.

Hooper, who scooped the 'Best Director' Academy Award for The King's Speech at last month's ceremony, is in talks to helm the musical, reports Variety.

Based on the novel by Victor Hugo, the story centres on Frenchman Jean Valjean as he attempts to evade capture from police officer Javert.

Bill Nicholson penned the script for the new Les Miserables, while Cameron Mackintosh and Working Title duo Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner are serving as producers.

The most recent film version of Les Mis was released in 1998 and featured Liam Neeson, Geoffrey Rush, Uma Thurman and Claire Danes.

A re-edited, PG-13 version of Hooper's King's Speech will be released in US cinemas on April 1.