Paul Bettany to play Inspector Javert in Tom Hooper's LES MISERABLES?

Yesterday we reported that Tom Hooper wanted Hugh Jackman for the role of Jean Valjean in his adaptation of Les Miserables. Deadline now has reported that Paul Bettany coud play the role of Valjean's nemesis, Inspector Javert. Bettany has apparently read for the role and sang the songs from the Cameron Mackintosh-produced stage show. The film is being produced by Mackintosh along with with Working Title's Tim Bevan and Eric Fellner. The script was written by Bill Nicholson and filming is slated to start by the end of the year, somewhere in Europe. 

Bettany was actually sought for the lead in Hooper's The King's Speech before Colin Firth was cast. He had to turn down that part to spend time with his family, but it looks like he is interested in starring in this film. Below is a description of the character to give