Anne Hathaway joins Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe in 'Les Misérables'

Anne Hathaway has joined the cast of Les Misérables.

The actress will portray Fantine, a worker who becomes a prostitute after losing her job, in the highly-anticipated adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel and stage musical.

Hathaway will join confirmed cast members Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe, who will portray Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert respectively.

Helena Bonham Carter will star in the film as well, playing Madame Thenardier.

Hathaway is currently shooting The Dark Knight Rises opposite Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and Tom Hardy. Production on the film is expected to move to New York later this month to shoot scenes at the Occupy Wall Street protests.

Les Misérables is expected to begin filming early next year. It opens in cinemas on December 7, 2012.