Constantine Maroulis Not Cast in Rock of Ages Because of Age, Not Rock
With the exception of some stragglers, the final major piece of Rock of Ages casting became official last week when it was announced that relative newcomer Diego Gonzalez Boneta had won the lead role of Drew in the Adam Shankman-directed film. Which begs the question: Why not Constantine Maroulis, who originated the role on Broadway? As it turns out, the Tony nominee had one major thing going against him.
His age. "Constantine was perfection as Drew in the play," Shankman told the Los Angeles Times, accurately. "But the truth of the matter is that I cast at age, and I wanted someone who doesn't have to act 20 or 23 but actually is 20 or 23 [Maroulis is 35]. The authenticity of someone actually being that age is important."
Even the most ardent Constantine supporters can't argue with that logic -- after all, Rock of Ages is a coming-of-age story, and not something on par with The Wrestler. As for Maroulis, fans shouldn't be too discouraged: Shankman says he offered him a small role in the film. Don't stop believin', right?
· 'Rock of Ages' director Adam Shankman: Constantine Maroulis wasn't right for the lead role [LAT/24 Frames]
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Rock of Ages is a coming of age story? Hmmm - saw it 5 times, never knew that (have you seen it - it is kinda R rated). Yes I can argue with that logic. Drew 20 - 23?? Gee, the poor kid has been struggling his WHOLE life to make it. ha ha. So why did he cast the rather mature 22 yr old Julianne as Sherrie if 'I cast at age' is the case. His Drew is 20, how old is Sherrie suppose to be? Is Drew now Sherrie's kid brother?
Really? I would definitely call it a coming of age story — guy goes from being a bus boy with dreams and no initiative, falls in love, gets initiative, etc., etc.
Nice try, Mr. Shankman but you cast 48 year old Tom Cruise to play Stacee Jaxx, who's supposed to be maybe 30...
I guess I have always thought of 'coming of age' stories to be about teen-agers. Before age 18.
Do you know the B'way show 'Spring Awakening' ? That would be coming of age to me.
I see what you're saying. In this day and age of arrested development, though, I think coming of age movies can even happen to 20-somethings.
Drew and Sherrie work in a bar - most of ROA takes place in this bar. You pretty much have to be 'of age' to go into a bar. I guess Shankman's Drew will have to get a fake ID. But I see you are defining 'of age' other than with numbers. Maybe some of us never make it. lol
awww the plot, it thickens.. Drew has to get a fake ID since he's only been out of high school for 2 years and looks to be 14 rather than 20 and certainly NOT 21 which as we all know is the legal age to work in a bar. He's lived a lot in those two short years, however. He was from a well to do family in Mexico and decided one day to make the break... sneak into the US and become a star. In a round about way (quickly I might add, since he's only had 2 years to do all this in) he winds up in Detroit where he also fakes his citizenship and claims this is where he was born and raised. He stays here for 1 day ( you know he only has 2 years to do it ALL) and heads on to the big city where he meets Julianne, who is a college professor, who teaches him English after he convinces her he's a citizen, just a little behind in the language department. It's looking up for him until the police show up and he gets deported. So.. as in the last line .. sometimes the dreams you come in with are not always the dreams you leave with.. hehehe
Whatever the plot, I won't be there. Shank can be a party of one watching and drooling over his new "find", who by the way, looks kinda goofy.
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Call me crazy but i think the Broadway cast should be the movie cast. But then the other day I saw Barbra Streisand in Hello Dolly and the only redeeming thing about that movie was the young Michael Crawford. I saw Rock of Ages in So Cal and was wowed by Constantine Maroulis and the people who played all of the other parts. This reminds me of Audry Hepburn playing Eliza Doolittle when she couldn't even sing and appeared to be dubbed..or Natalie Wood, who also couldn't sing and had to be dubbed in West Side Story....sad to ruin a good thing with a bigger name cast. But then business is business. Tom Cruise?????Please....
Cannot believe that Tom Cruise is to play Stacee Jaxx! Adam Shankman says Constantine not cast as drew cos he's too old and yet he cast Tom??? WTF???? Look to Australia and Justin Burford (end of fashion). Australian cast i believe are so much stronger than the US cast recording. Don't think i'll see this movie if thats where Adam is heading with casting - would love to see Russell Brand play Lonny though. He'd be awesome!!! Dubious casting is : Tom Cruise, Julianne Hough, Diego. Man it's like Ádams never seen the musical. Two thumbs down already Adam. Sorry mate but i love the aussie cast-can't do better than that. Try Michael Falzon as Stacee - he'd be sooooooo much better (same with our Franz!!) This movie version could end up being a tragedy and death to songs we all love 🙁