Singer-songwriter Justin Timberlake returns as an actor in Apple TV Plus’s upcoming Palmer film. In the film, Timberlake plays an ex-criminal who forms a loving relationship with the neighborhood boy and the two develop a father-child-like relationship, despite the different worlds from which they came. Directed by Fisher Stevens, the film talks about second chances and how everyone deserves one.
In a roundabout conversation, Fisher shared his thought process behind throwing a former NSYNC member into this emotional saw. He shared with indianexpress.com that while he was planning for the film, he wanted the audience to “enter this new world so that you would not think that you were watching a film. Contrary to Justin’s image of being a pop idol, this post wanted him to strip his superstar figure. Fisher said, “Throwing Justin Timberlake was a big challenge because he ‘s so popular all over the world. ”
Fisher Stevens shared that he didn’t initially think of Justin Timberlake for the role, but by coincidence made him find the right actor. “At the time, I was doing a documentary with Leonardo DiCaprio called And We Go Green. We fired in India. His managers read the script and said Justin Timberlake should play this because we represent him too, ”said Fisher.
Click on that suggestion with Fisher as he immediately said, “I was like ‘Oh my god, that’s a good idea’.” The 39-year-old pop star was on a world tour at the time, and after eight months back and forth, he decided to be a part of Fisher’s world.
“Part of the reason Justin wanted to do this was to lose himself into this character. It felt like he knew Palmer. We were both very interested in getting a second chance. We both know people who were involved when they were young, either going to jail, becoming addicted to drugs or alcohol and ruining their lives. And we both loved this story of someone getting a second chance and freeing themselves, ”said Fisher Stevens.
Palmer will also feature Ryder Allen and June Squibb. The film will start streaming on Apple TV Plus from January 29th.