Tom Cruise’s split from Katie Holmes adds to his tricky film year

At least people will now stop talking about Tom Cruise’s underperforming “Rock of Ages.”

The news Friday that Cruise and Katie Holmes, his actress wife of five years, were planning to divorce comes at a tricky time in the actor’s see-saw career. “Rock of Ages,” an adaptation of the rock ‘n’ roll musical, recently premiered to sub-par numbers and then faded about as fast as a one-hit-wonder band.

After opening on June 15 to $14.4 million -- about 25% below even modest industry projections -- “Rock of Ages” last weekend slipped nearly 50%, grossing just $7.7 million. With total sales to date of $31.4 million, the $75-million musical from Warner Bros.’ New Line label will struggle just to break even.

PHOTOS: Celebrity splits of 2012

Cruise’s previous film, December’s “Mission: Impossible -- Ghost Protocol” was a worldwide smash, with global ticket sales of more than $693 million. Before that, the actor’s 2010 “Knight & Day” with Cameron Diaz fizzled in domestic theaters, grossing just $76.4 million, but fared much better overseas, selling more than $185 million in tickets.

In the months ahead, Cruise stars in several expensive productions. In December, he has the title role in the crime story “Jack Reacher,” which Cruise also produced and which will be released by Paramount Pictures. In early 2013, he will star in the sci-fi drama “Oblivion” for Universal.

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Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes getting a divorce

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More on Tom and Kate’s split:

PHOTOS: Tom and Katie through the years

PHOTOS: Celebrity splits of 2012

Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes getting a divorce