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."

Gwyneth Paltrow Considering Rock Of Ages Role

Gwyneth Paltrow has confirmed she's considering using her new-found singing skills to tackle a role in the upcoming movie adaptation of hit Broadway musical Rock Of Ages.

The show, which features songs from artists including Bon Jovi, Twisted Sister and Poison, is set for a cinematic make-over with Tom Cruise in talks to join the project.

Paltrow has now revealed she's also considering signing up, after proving her musical prowess in new movie Country Strong.

She tells Entertainment Weekly, "It sounds cool. I just got the script and I will read it on the plane home tomorrow. But it sounds like it could be fun."

Alec Baldwin is also reportedly in negotiations to join the cast, while producer Jenno Topping remains hopeful that Tom Cruise will make his involvement official: "(He is) in discussions. It's real. Although, it is not cemented."

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."