Director Adam Shankman tells Broadway World why Constantine Maroulis, who portrays Drew in the Broadway version of “Rock of Ages”, wasn’t right for the film version.

“Constantine was perfection as Drew in the play…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,” said Shankman. “The authenticity of someone actually being that age is important.”

This leads to the casting news that 20-year-old relative unknown Diego Boneta was cast as Drew, a character who is an up-and-comer rock performer. More on Boneta will be explained in the next Shockya “Rock of Ages” news story.

Even though Maroulis is too old to play Drew, he has been offered a small role in the film.

The Broadway version of “Rock of Ages” has been a huge success on the Great White Way. After opening in 2009, it received both critical and monetary acclaim, which led to the inevitable film adaptation. Maroulis, who has been with the Broadway show since the beginning, was originally a finalist on “American Idol”. The film version is expected to be in theaters June 1, 2012.

So are you excited to see the film? Are you upset Maroulis wasn’t given the role? Sound off about the film below in the comments section.

Constantine Maroulis