Justin Timberlake has long been on the cusp of major movie stardom. After various appearances in movies like ALPHA DOG, IN TIME, and THE SOCIAL NETWORK, Timberlake has yet to star in a movie himself that has really hit big. SPINNING GOLD may be that movie.
Foresight Unlimited will produce the movie which will be having a launch party at the Cannes Film Festival. The screenplay for SPINNING GOLD was written by Timothy Scott Bogart, son of Neil Bogart who will be portrayed by Timberlake. Here’s a brief plot for the film:
Bogart, a legendary music business entrepreneur, is credited with discovering, launching and nurturing the careers of a generation of music superstars during the 60’s and 70’s including Curtis Mayfield, Bill Withers, Gladys Knight, KISS, Parliament, Donna Summer and The Village People among many others. Featuring some of the most iconic music of the era, SPINNING GOLD tells the rags-to-riches story of a poor kid from Brooklyn who went on to become the man who defined the pop music culture of his time. Neil Bogart died prematurely in 1982 at age 39.
No other casting has been announced as of yet but the press release indicates that the music of the famous artists will be re-imagined by contemporary artists. It is undetermined at this point whether or not the songs will be integrated as performances in the movie. Timberlake as a musician has an enormous following and is critically adored. Much like when Jim Carrey took on the task of playing Andy Kaufman in MAN IN THE MOON, Timberlake has the acting talent and musical background to take on this role. Timberlake himself added this comment:
“Neil Bogart was a fascinating individual whose vision, drive and passion brought us some of the most influential music of our time,” says Timberlake. “I am proud to be part of this project to bring this incredible life story to the screen.”
I don’t know enough about Bogart to comment on this casting choice, but this could turn out to be a big role for Timberlake as an actor. Here’s hoping the additional cast pans out because I am intrigued to see how this all comes together.