How do you say “boyakasha” in French? Sacha Baron Cohen, known for making the Kazakhstan people see red and interpreting Borat, Bruno and Ali G for television and film here and in England, has been attached to an upcoming production of Les Misérables, to be directed by Tom Hooper (yes, the same Hooper of King’s Speech fame). I understand Baron Cohen will be playing opposite fellow Brit Helena Bonham Carter, as well as Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe–and let’s not forget, Sir Geoffrey Rush. As it were, just starting reading les Miz (finally, at my age!) so the timing is ominous.

Cohen will play Monsieur Thénardier, along with on-screen wife Bonham Carter. Here’s a sample of what’s in store, according to the Wiki on Thénardier: “They are ordinary working class people who blame society for their sufferings. They care nothing for the lives of others and only care about themselves and acquiring money, whether by cheating customers at their inn or robbing people.”

Both actors have hyphenated names, too. It all sounds lethal to me.