In case you’ve been ignoring his life post-Cocktail — you know, between the whole Scientology thing and an infamous appearance on Oprah – Tom Cruise has come off in recent years as a bit of a nutjob. So, as a means to get back to the fun-loving Tom of old (see this clip), Cruise has taken the role of over-the-hill rocker Stacee Jaxx, in the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical, Rock of Ages, reports Billboard.
The film, directed by Adam Shankman, will see Cruise perform a number of ’80s classics, including Styx’s “Renegade” and Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead Or Alive”. In an interview with the Toronto Sun, Shankman, who also directed 2007’s Hairspray, said Cruise is “pouring himself in this part in a way I’ve never had an actor do. It’s pretty intense. Between the voice lessons, the incredible study… researching the period, it’s like 1987, just going there!”
No word yet on other casting decisions, but Shankman revealed they’d be in talks with Alec Baldwin, Gwyneth Platrow (who declined), and Russell Brand. Anne Hathaway is also rumored to play the part of Sherrie, a small-town Kansas girl with dreams of being a famous actor, who would duet with Cruise on Foreigner’s “I Want To Know What Love Is”.
As always, stay tuned for more news on the film as it’s announced.
