Friday, March 4, 2011

Julianne Hough Leads 'Rock of Ages'

 Julianne Hough continues landing roles in musical films. After cast in "Burlesque" and upcoming "Footloose", she is close to join "Rock of Ages". Variety reports the 22-year-old blonde is in final negotiations to star as Sherrie Christian in the movie adaptation of the Broadway play.

Meanwhile, director Adam Shankman has no doubt on Hough's involvement in the film, telling TheWrap "She's the lead - she's the girl who comes to Los Angeles looking for the dream." He additionally gushes about her rigorous audition, "I mean I really put her through it. And she was jaw-droppingly good."

Other actors confirmed to star in "Rock of Ages" are Tom Cruise and Mary J. Blige. The helmer adds, "We have Tom (Cruise) playing Stacee Jaxx, the biggest rock star in the world and we have Mary J. Blige playing Justice."

"Rock of Ages" will start principal photography on May 19 in Florida, so Variety says. Beside directing it, Shankman is also responsible for the choreography. Chris D'Arienzo, who created the original musical play, pens the script for the big screen version with Shankman and Justin Theroux polishing the screenplay.