Catherine Zeta-Jones is making her big screen comeback in a big way.
The star, who recently entered treatment for bipolar disorder, has been cast in the Hollywood adaptation of "Rock of Ages," director Adam Shankman told The Hollywood Reporter. She'll play the film's villain, a new role invented just for the big screen version.
“It’s a character that we only really came to in the last month,” said Shankman. “The character was invented to streamline the stories... She is this hardcore, moral majority, arch-conservative who wants to shut down rock ’n' roll in the great city of Los Angeles."
Shankman told E! Online that she'll be singing at least two songs: Pat Benatar's "Hit Me With Your Best Shot" and Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It."
Zeta-Jones is just the latest bonafide star to sign up for the 80's-set homage to grungy rock clubs and hair metal. Tom Cruise this winter was cast to play megastar Stacee Jaxx, Alec Baldwin will play rock club owner Dennis Dupree, Julianne Hough will play the young, naive singer new to LA and Russell Brand was just cast as Lonny, a rock venue owner and the film's narrator.
Opening up about her struggle with bipolar disorder, Zeta-Jones spoke to People Magazine about her choice to seek treatment.
"This is a disorder that affects millions of people and I am one of them," she said. "If my revelation of having bipolar II has encouraged one person to seek help, then it is worth it. There is no need to suffer silently and there is no shame in seeking help."
Shankman said he knew about her decision to seek treatment before he decided on casting her, and that it was not a roadblock at all.
"While we were talking to her representatives about doing it, she told us that was about to happen," Shankman told E!. "I had a long talk with her about it and she's in the greatest space and spirits. We've worked together on numerous benefits and we have a great working relationship.