Tom Cruise to Co-Star in Rock of Ages

Tom Cruise is in the final stages of negotiations to co-star in Rock of Ages, New Line's adaptation of the hit musical about 1980s rockers.

THR reports this morning that Tom Cruise is close to signing a deal with the Rock of Ages film producers to act as Stacee Jaxx. It is expected that Cruise's character will perform Bon Jovi's “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Other stars in talks for the film include Gwyneth Paltrow, Alec Baldwin as Dennis Dupree, Mary J. Blige and Russel Brand. The movie will be directed by Adam Shankman and is being modyfied for the big-screen by its stage scribe, Chris D'Arienzo.

The musical that ‘ignited a generation' is featuring songs from Styx, Journey, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Steve Perry and Poison, among other well-known rock bands. The show is noted for being more cheerful and comedic than other shows on Broadway.The five-time Tony nominated musical is Nothin' but a good time (Poison).

The show is written by Chris D'Arienzo (writer and director of the upcoming film comedy Barry Munday), directed by Kristin Hanggi (“Bare:” a pop opera, “Pussycat Dolls'” show set on L.A.'s Sunset Strip) and choreographed by Kelly Devine (Jersey Boys – Associate Choreographer).

Rock Of Ages “a seriously silly, absurdly enjoyable arena-rock musical” opened on April 7, 2009 at Broadway's Brooks Atkinson Theatre to critical acclaim. As mentioned above, the Broadway production was nominated for Five 2009 Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, and New Line Records released the Original Broadway Cast Recording in July 2009, featuring 28 songs from the show.

A New Line Cinema/Warner Bros. film of the musical, directed by Adam Shankman (Hairspray black comedy), is scheduled to be released in 2011. Production on the film is planned to start in May.

Cruise is also being courted for the lead role in Guillermo del Toro's horror At the Mountains of Madness. The role almost certainly requires less singing than Rock of Ages.