See A Ripped Tom Cruise Belt it Out in New 'Rock of Ages' Photo

Whatever people may say, Tom Cruise is still a movie star. And like all movie stars, he attaches himself to, and subsequently drops out of, a handful of projects for every one he actually follows through on. All of this is to say that in a million years, I never thought Tom Cruise would go through with "Rock of Ages."

Is it because it's a musical? Sort of, I suppose. Cruise isn't exactly known for his work behind the microphone. Is it because it's an especially gaudy musical? Sure. I could see Cruise in an Oscar-bait musical like a "Chicago" or a "Dreamgirls" (or the upcoming "Les Miserables" adaptation to star Hugh Jackman). But a tribute to '80s rock-n'-roll? Nope. Did not see that coming.

And yet here is the visual evidence that it is indeed coming. Cruise will play Stacee Jaxx, a fictional rocker who sings some very real songs, including "Wanted Dead or Alive," "Renegade" (the second-best Styx song), and (oh, kill me now) "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." Among other songs you've surely heard on the radio today. Or, you know, just walking around.

"Rock of Ages," which also stars Russell Brand, Alec Baldwin, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Malin Ackerman, will be released on June 1st, 2012.