After an open casting call to try and find the lead actor for the musical Rock Of Ages, Deadline reports that director Adam Shankman has set Diego Gonzalez Boneta to play Drew Boley, a 22-year old who moves to Los Angeles with dreams of making it in the music industry.
Although not exactly a well-known name, Boneta was originally a singer in Mexico, and New Line obviously feels that with Tom Cruise, Mary J. Blige, Alec Baldwin and possibly Amy Adams, they’ don’t necessarily need star power in the main role. Shankman says, “On top of his completely un-self conscious charm, he’s a movie star the same was as I felt when I auditioned Zac Efron, Channing Tatum and Liam Hemsworth. “It comes down to being able to identity the ‘it’ factor, and Jen (his sister and producer) and I have been lucky enough to do it several times. He has it and is every inch a movie star.”
it also seems as if after months of being rumoured for the film, Russell Brand is now in final negotiations to join the movie (confirmed by TheWrap), although there’s still no word on exactly what role he’ll be playing.
The musical is built around 80s hits by Journey, Pat Benatar, Bon Jovi and other, with Drew Boley heading to LA and taking a job working as a busboy in the Bourbon Room, which is run by Dennis (Alec Baldwin). He falls for Sherrie (Julianne Hough) but falls afoul of rocker Stacee Jax (Tom Cruise), who is managed by Paul Giamatti’s character. Amy Adams is in talks to play a reporter who also falls for Stacee Jax. It’s set to hit cinemas June 2012.