'Pretty Little Liars' Actor Diego Boneta Lands Lead In 'Rock Of Ages' Movie

Boneta will play Drew in the big-screen adaptation of the Broadway show alongside Tom Cruise.
By Jocelyn Vena

Diego Gonzalez Boneta
Photo: Valerie Macon/ Gettu Images

Diego Boneta has gone from living it up on "90210" to guesting on "Pretty Little Liars," and now the Mexican actor and former star of the telenovela "Rebelde" has landed the much coveted male lead in the big-screen adaptation of "Rock of Ages."

"To be authentic, I like to cast as close to the real age as possible and wanted someone who has all the innocence and guilelessness of Drew," the movie's director, Adam Shankman, told The Hollywood Reporter. "And that's Diego." Shankman also confirmed the casting on his Twitter account, writing, "He is the perfect movie Drew. He's going to blow your minds."

Boneta will star as newbie rocker Drew alongside the flick's leading lady, former "Dancing With the Stars" pro Julianne Hough. The film also stars Tom Cruise as an established rock star who has his sights set on Hough, plus Alec Baldwin and Mary J. Blige, whose character runs the club where Hough's character works as a stripper.

Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti and Amy Adams are also reportedly in negotiations for roles in the film. Last month, Brand revealed to MTV News that there was one big thing holding up the deal. "I think they're trying to work out what I like to call 'scheduling,' " he joked, alluding to the fact that his salary was still being discussed.

The film will begin production on May 19 in Miami, which will double as the story's Los Angeles setting. "I can't shut down the Sunset Strip for six weeks, and in Miami we're turning four blocks basically into a backlot," Shankman explained. "We'll digitally add in the hills."

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