Evan Rachel Wood originally cast in Les Miserables

Actress EVAN RACHEL WOOD was originally cast in movie musical LES MISERABLES but dropped out due to "personal reasons".

The Ides of March star was rumored to have lost out on a role in Tom Hooper's new movie to West End performer Samantha Barks, who makes her film debut as Eponine.

Wood has now opened up about the speculation and revealed she was initially given a place in the cast, but had to turn it down.

After a fan on Twitter.com asked, "I heard you originally auditioned for Eponine in the Les Mis movie. What'd you think of Samantha Barks performance in it?" Wood replied, "I was actually originally cast, but respectfully declined for personal reasons. The press got it wrong. Set record straight."

Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Taylor Swift were also said to have tried out for the coveted role of Eponine.