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Tom Cruise's New 'Rock of Ages' Co-Star: Julianne Hough

By Christine Fenno Posted Mar 5th 2011 11:03AM

'Dancing With the Stars' champ Julianne Hough says she's beyond excited to appear in the new film version of the Broadway hit 'Rock of Ages.' One of her character's love interests has already been cast: Tom Cruise, who signed on last month to play '80s metal rocker Stacee Jaxx.

Director Adam Shankman confirmed his casting of the 22-year-old 'Burlesque' star, tweeting, "Yes, it's true. Julianne Hough was beyond brilliant in her audition, and will be rocking the role of Sherrie Christian."

Hough, who attended the live production in Los Angeles last month with boyfriend Ryan Seacrest, sounds ready to rock. "Words can't even express how thrilled I am to be a part of this film," the actress, dancer and country crooner says in a statement to EW.com. "Between Adam and the cast and the material, it's just a dream come true."

"I'm so grateful to....everyone that believed enough in me to make this amazing opportunity possible," she adds. "I can't wait to start work!"

In the plot of 'Rock of Ages,' Hough's character Sherrie moves to Los Angeles from Kansas, becomes a nightclub waitress and falls for a raunchy rock star (Cruise's role).

Meanwhile, Hough, a Utah native, seems to be at the center of a full-fledged revival of one of contemporary Hollywood's most challenging genres -- the musical.

At last weekend's Oscars, co-host Anne Hathaway remarked on the recent dearth of big-screen musicals while setting up a gimmicky montage of Auto-tuned dialogue from hit films. But one look at Hough's resume points to a new trend: She played a pivotal role as a cabaret performer in the Cher spectacle 'Burlesque,' is prepping to shoot the much-hyped 'Footloose' remake (she'll take on the preacher's daughter role originated in 1984 by Lori Singer), and is now celebrating her 'Rock of Ages' casting news.

Perhaps her busy slate of song-and-dance is why, later this month, CinemaCon (formerly known as ShoWest) plans to give her the Rising Star of 2011 Award.

Tags: adam shankman, julianne hough, rock of ages, tom cruise

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Saturday 05 March

By Andrew

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I saw this play when I visited NY last year. It was horrendous. I can't believe their making it a movie. lol

Saturday 05 March

By keyingatmach5

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Tom Cruise in it anything is bad! She shouldn't waste her time.

Saturday 05 March

By mistralwind35

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They are going to kill this like they killed Interview with a Vampire! Bad Bad Choice in Tom Cruise. Dont get what they are thinking.

Saturday 05 March

By simpsonsimpmike

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Cruise should go back to doing plays in Glen Ridge. After all that is where he roughed up a kid when he was a big tough senior, only to have the kid turn around and rearrange is nose.

Saturday 05 March

By roger

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I wouldn't pay five cents to see this with Tom Cruise in it. He is nutso and they have ruined the film by casting him.

Saturday 05 March

By butch whitmon

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Devoted fan for many years of DWST. Very disappointed that Julianne would have anything whatsoever to do with Cultist Tom Cruise. Very bad move on her part, in my opinion.
Say it ain't so Julianne.

Saturday 05 March

By garjaya

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Straight to VHS.

Saturday 05 March

By Pam McKnight

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She's lost my vote. Tom Cruise bad news. I want watch.

Saturday 05 March

By Olive

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Oh Katie Holmes, Katie Holmes! Poor Katie. Career down the tubes, husband Tom gets a heck of a better opportunity at some work and attention, and now he's doing this project with a smoking hot, beautiful and TALENTED Julianne Hough! I would be a little nervous. Isn't the Cruise marriage in trouble? And, doesn't he have a thing for his talented co-stars (Nicole Kidman...Penelope Cruz)? Stay tuned.....

Sunday 06 March

By meilee

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Actually I look forward to this! I think Cruise can pull it off and it will be good to see if he can manage the transformation which we know he can.. ie. Magnolia he was fabulous and as Les Grossmann in Tropic Thunder. Best of luck.

Sunday 06 March

By Shanon

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Won't Cruise get the hint that he can't act, he's a horrible person, and every movie he's been casted in during the last 10 years has tanked ?? Geez. With all that money he has, he should buy a freakin clue.

Wednesday 09 March

By susie

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Does anyone agree about the possibility of a Cruise/Hough hook up? Think about it. His marriage to Katie Holmes is not good PR for him. The marriage definitely on the rocks. He hooks up with someone who can put him back in the limelight, she's the perfect candidate. Remember Nicole, Penelope, all leading ladies. Sophia Vergara, Cher. C'mon. I think we will see more of this. Stay tuned!

Tuesday 12 April

By NV

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Julianne is the reason I'll see this movie. Big fan.

Wednesday 25 May

By The River Rat

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What an UGLY outfit. Get some fashion help, Julianne. You are way too fine to be wearing some trashy outfit like that.

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