'Pretty Little Liars' Star Diego Gonzalez Boneta In Talks For 'Rock Of Ages'

Casting for the film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical Rock of Ages is nearing completion. After announcing that major Hollywood names like Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Paul Giamatti were attached to the project, producers are now looking to sign relative newcomer Diego Gonzalez Boneta for the lead role of Drew Boley. Originated on Broadway by former American Idol contestant Constantine Maroulis in 2009, Boley is an aspiring musician who takes a job in a nightclub when he lands in Los Angeles. Director Adam Shankman held open auditions for the role earlier this week and is close to landing the 20-year-old Mexican actor. Boneta gained buzz for his roles on 90210 and Mean Girls 2, and currently stars as Alex Santiago in the wildly popular teen series Pretty Little Liars. His musical talent also makes him an attractive candidate to Shankman and Co. Before making it as an actor in the U.S., Boneta starred on the Mexican series Rebelde and recorded a solo album in 2005 that went on to sell over 100,000 copies.

Along with Cruise, Baldwin and Giamatti, Mary J. Blige and Julianne Hough have also signed on for the upcoming film. Production is set to get underway shortly, with a scheduled release date of June 1, 2012. —EMILY EXTON