Alec Baldwin has just dropped out of Adam Shankman's highly anticipated Rock Of Ages adaptation. It's a disappointing blow for the Hairspray director but far less disappointing when put into context. Losing Alec Baldwin sucks, but losing him in this situation is like taking Danny Ainge off the 1985-1986 Celtics or removing Jeff Lynne from the Traveling Wilburys. The cast is simply too high powered to cower amidst one exodus. Sure, Tom Cruise, Malin Akerman, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Bryan Cranston and Alec Baldwin sounds better, but had he never been announced, the project likely would still have the same amount of buzz.

Baldwin was set to play club owner Dennis Dupree. No reason has been publically given for his departure, but when all is said and done, the old standby, scheduling conflicts, will likely be cited. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the lack of Baldwin should create a little more work for the casting department, but it's unlikely to affect Rock Of Ages' shooting schedule or ultimate release date.

The adaptation of the Broadway hit is told through a medley of 80s classics, an amalgamation of big hair and bigger high notes. Even without Baldwin, it should open to a big starting weekend whenever it officially drops sometime next year.

Here's a look at a rehearsal from the Broadway play to get you in the mood…