Timberlake to play basketball star

Justin Timberlake is to play basketball prodigy Jack Ryan in a biopic

May 10 2014 06:57 AM

Justin Timberlake is set to show off his moves and tricks on the court, as he prepares to play basketball prodigy Jack Ryan on the big screen.

The Runner, Runner star will take the leading role in Release: The Jack Ryan Story, a biopic chronicling the life of the streetball star, who was one of the most gifted players on the streets of New York.

Antonio Macia is writing the script, which is based on Jack's life story and the 2009 documentary of the same name, reported The Tracking Board.

LDI Entertainment will produce the indie film alongside Justin's manager Rick Yorn, with the search for a director under way.

Despite being talented at basketball from high school, Jack almost had a very different life when he dropped out of college and worked at the Fulton Fish Market in New York. His life changed when he was approached by the Harlem Wizards to join their basketball team, before leaving to pursue a solo career as a basketball trick artist.

It would be the latest role for Justin, who previously appeared in The Social Network, Bad Teacher and Inside Llewyn Davis.

The 33-year-old, who is married to actress Jessica Biel, released his two-part album, The 20/20 Experience, in 2013 and has been touring around the world.