Dancing Champ Julianne Hough Joins Tom Cruise in Rock of Ages Movie

Reality TV’s Dancing With the Stars winner Julianne Hough is the latest definite cast member of the upcoming Rock of Ages movie, joining Tom Cruise and Mary J. Blige on the film’s official roster. Confirming the earlier rumors of her involvement, the actress is finalizing a deal to play wide-eyed leading lady Sherrie in the film, according to Variety.

With Hough on board as Sherrie, Cruise as over-the-top ‘80s rocker Stacee Jaxx and Blige in the part of strip club owner Justice, film director Adam Shankman (Hairspray) is finalizing casting for the rest of the show's colorful roles. While there is no word yet on who might play male lead Drew, Russell Brand is reportedly eyeing the role of narrator Lonny and Alec Baldwin is being touted as music club owner Russell Dupree. Fresh off of co-hosting the Oscars and securing her guest spot on Glee, Anne Hathaway is said to be considering the role of an uptight journalist hell-bent on writing a Stacee Jaxx expose.

Rock of Ages is set in 1987 on the Sunset Strip, where a small town girl (Hough) meets a big city rocker in L.A.’s most famous rock club. Their love story is told through the hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx, Pat Benatar, Foreigner, Twisted Sister, Asia, Whitesnake and many more. The Broadway musical, which is currently on hiatus until March 24 when it will re-open at the Helen Hayes Theatre, received five Tony nominations (including Best Musical) after opening on April 7, 2009. The movie version is expected to begin filming in Florida on May 19 and be released in 2012.