Variety reports that Shankman will direct and choreograph the screen debut of Rock of Ages for New Line Cinema, which is scheduled to begin filming in summer 2010 in Los Angeles with an eye for a 2011 release from Warner Brothers. New Line Records released the Rock of Ages Broadway cast album last spring.

"I'm thinking big, and absolutely am going to attempt to cast with movie stars. Now that musicals are working again, actors are much more open to it," Shankman told Variety.

The musical's book writer Chris D'Arienzo has penned the screenplay for the film that will be produced by the Rock of Ages Broadway producers Carl Levin, Matthew Weaver and Scott Prisand, with Tobey Maguire and Jennifer Gibgot. Executive producers are Janet Billig and Hillary Weaver, who are also producers of the Broadway production.

Featuring a score compiled of hits from the 1980s, including "Don't Stop Believin'," "Hit Me With Your Best Shot," "Every Rose Has It's Thorn," "Oh, Sherrie" and "We Built This City," Rock of Ages stars "American Idol" finalist Constantine Maroulis and Tony nominee Kerry Butler.

Rock of Ages originally premiered Off-Broadway at New World Stages in October of 2008. The musical transferred to the Brooks Atkinson Theatre on Broadway in March of 2009, earning five Tony nominations including Best Musical, Best Direction, and Best Actor for Constantine Maroulis.

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