Alec Baldwin Dropping out of Rock of Ages

Casting News, News

Slightly conflicting reports are giving different reasons for this, but Alec Baldwin is dropping out of Rock of Ages. Set to play the owner of the fictional Bourbon Room, the film’s stand in for the legendary Whisky-A-Go-Go, Baldwin is apparently now out and the film is scrambling to replace him.

The Hollywood Reporter is reporting that Baldwin is opting not to do the film for unspecified reasons. Per this report it seems like Baldwin is just dropping out because he no longer wants to be in the film.

But this is where it gets interesting.

Deadline Hollywood is reporting Baldwin is out because of a medical condition. Per Deadline:

Toby Emmerich officially denied to me a celebrity gossip report that Alec Baldwin had pulled out of the production. He said that Baldwin has a newly discovered medical condition that is expected to resolve so he can do the movie. But just now, at 7 PM, Emmerich told me that Baldwin had just asked New Line to replace him “if at all possible,” even though the actor committed to the movie.

What does it mean? Considering this cast already has Tom Cruise, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Russell Brand, Paul Giamatti, Bryan Cranston, Mary J. Blige, and Malin Akerman attached and still in, this isn’t a film-killing blow by any means, but it is a huge setback that could potentially affect filming.

They need to cast someone and do so immediately in order to be ready for production; look for a potential stunt-casting to come out of nowhere to replace Baldwin, as it could come down to that. It wouldn’t be all that surprising if they went out and snagged someone like David Bowie for the part but one imagines a big name actor with a free part of his schedule could be available. With the delays in the Wolverine sequel, and some good makeup, I wouldn’t be shocked if Hugh Jackman suddenly finds himself replacing Baldwin.

Will Ferrell and Steve Carell have already turned down the part per Deadline, so they’re obviously going for a big name to replace Baldwin, but they aren’t filming yet. They are still getting ready for the first big table read, which gives them some time before filming.