Adam Shankman: Russell Brand in ‘Rock of Ages’

British comic will join Tom Cruise and Alec Baldwin in adaptation of Broadway musical

It's official. Russell Brand is joining a cavalcade of Hollywood stars in the big screen adaptation of "Rock of Ages."

Brand will play Lonny, the show's narrator and a rock club operator. Earlier this month, director Adam Shankman told TheWrap that the "Arthur" star was in final negotiations for the role, and this morning he informed his Twitter followers of the casting.

"I can officially announce Russell Brand as your Lonny in #rockofagesmovie ! I see a mullet in his future…maybe a Nikki Six?," he tweeted.

The "Arthur" star joins Alec Baldwin and Tom Cruise in the movie version of the hit Broadway stage show. Mexican singer-songwriter Diego Boneta will play Drew Boley in the film, an aspiring rocker.

Amy Adams is also reportedly circling the role of a rock journalist.

The movie is a love story told through the music of Pat Benetar, Bon Jovi, Journey, Poison, Twisted Sister and other artists from the 1980s. 

With his tight fitting wardrobe, penchant for leather trousers and mane of hair, Brand often skirts the line between comedian and rock star. No surprise than that he's played out-of-control musicians in "Get Him to the Greek" and "Forgetting Sarah Marshall." 

When he's strayed from his rock god image, as in "Arthur," the result hasn't been pretty. Welcome back to the arena, Mr. Brand. 

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