Tom Cruise to Play 'Rock n' Roll God' in New Movie

Tom Cruise has signed up to play aging musician Stacee Jaxx in the big screen adaption of the hit musical Rock of Ages, and director Adam Shankman is sure his performance is going to impress everyone.

The actor has been taking voice lessons for his role and has been studying the '80s rock songs in the musical to make sure he gets everything right.

Adam told Access Hollywood: “I think we’re going to see him every drop the rock ‘n’ roll god! I’m very excited. He’s so committed to doing it. He’s pouring himself in this part in a way I’ve never had an actor do … it’s pretty intense.”

Tom will have to perform several songs in the film, including Styx’s "Renegade," Bon Jovi’s "Wanted Dead or Alive" and a duet of Foreigner’s "I Want To Know What Love Is," possibly with Anne Hathaway, who is set to play the character Sherrie.

Shankman also confirmed rumors Russell Brand is in talks to join the cast as Lonny, the manager of The Bourbon rock club, while Alec Baldwin is set to play Lonny’s boss Dennis.

He added: “We are talking to Alec Baldwin and there may be some Russell Brand. I can only say at this point that there may be, because the deals aren’t closed."

Breaking News!: Mary Murphy Returning to So You Think You Can Dance

After a season on the bench, Mary Murphy is returning to Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance as a resident judge.

The opinionated dancer and choreographer is returning to the show after the series suffered a rather dramatic ratings dip last summer.

“I am delighted to have Mary back on the show,” says producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe, who will sit alongside Murphy during critiques. “Her expertise in dance, coupled with her warmth, compassion and humor, make her an excellent judge and fun to work with.”

No worder on who Mary may be "replacing"? Will Mia Michaels and Adam Shankman also be resident judges? Will So You Think You Can Dance have four resident judges? We'll have to wait and see what transpires. All in all, we're glad to have Mary back on the "Hot Tamale Train".

Mia Michaels & Adam Shankman Named 'So You Think You Can Dance' Judges

We all know that the guest judges on 'So You Think You Can Dance' can tango with the best of them, but occasionally, even the most accomplished choreographers want to trade the toe-tapping for a more verbal form of the rumba.

Following the news that former judge Mary Murphy will be ditching the judging table full-time to provide more choreography in season 7 (Murphy will still serve as a guest judge), The Wrap is now reporting that previous guest judge Mia Michaels will be stepping up to fill her spot alongside returning experts Nigel Lythgoe and Adam Shankman.

Michaels first joined the talent contest in 2005 as a contributing choreographer, and has gone on to win two Emmy Awards for her choreography on Celine Dion's 'Calling You' and 'Mercy' TV shows.

"I am extremely happy that Mia and Adam have returned and agreed to be resident judges," show-creator Lythgoe said in a statement. "Mia's outspoken approach combined with Adam's passion will definitely add a fresh new chemistry to the panel."

Michaels' appointment is one of several new shake-ups designed to reinvigorate the franchise. Other adjustments include 10 finalists in competition and only one elimination per week. Competitors are also set to switch partners every week, dancing with one of several 'SYTYCD' all-star dancers, all recognizable former finalists who are skilled in numerous styles of dance. In addition, all performances will now be live.

The all-stars include Stephen "Twitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval.

British presenter Cat Deely is returning to host the series, which premieres May 27 on FOX.

Adam Shankman Gets Ready to 'Rock'

"Hairspray" helmer Adam Shankman is signing on to direct and choreograph the screen version of the Broadway musical "Rock of Ages" for New Line Cinema.

The film will begin production by next summer and be released by Warner Bros. in 2011.

The musical's creator, Chris D'Arienzo, scripted the movie adaptation. Carl Levin, Matt Weaver, Scott Prisand, Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Gibgot will produce. Janet Billig and Hillary Weaver are executive producers.

"I had the best time of my life making 'Hairspray' and badly wanted another musical, and when I watched 'Rock of Ages,' I was struck by the fact that not only had much of the audience seen it more than once, every guy in the audience knew the words to the songs," Shankman told Daily Variety. "What an extraordinary opportunity to open the genre to an audience that otherwise wouldn't go see a musical."

The tuner tells of two people who meet at the Sunset Strip club Rock of Ages, fall in love and try to stay together amid'80s rock anthems made popular by Journey, Twisted Sister, Joan Jett, Bon Jovi, Pat Benatar and other groups. New Line is clearing music rights to the tunes.

Since its move to Broadway, "Rock of Ages" fills most of its 1,000 seats at Brooks Atkinson Theater, helped by five Tony nominations. The show will begin a worldwide rollout over the next several years.

Shankman said he hopes to shoot the picture in its proper setting, which means lensing in Los Angeles. Shankman said, "I'm thinking big, and absolutely am going to attempt to cast with movie stars. Now that musicals are working again, actors are much more open to it."