Justin Bieber to Star in Movie with Mark Wahlberg – It’s Official

Sunday, May 1, 2011

It’s official!

After almost three months of speculation it was announced that Justin Bieber has signed on with Mark Wahlberg for a new movie.

While the plot is still very sketchy, Wahlberg told Deadline.com the film was a street hoops basketball story similar in plot format to the Oscar winning “Fighter.”

Wahlberg says neither him nor Bieber will be singing or dancing in the film, and that this will be a good chance for Justin to bring his dramatic acting skills to the table.

Last year, Bieber was a guest on the popular CSI television franchise and later told reporters that he loved acting, and loved the process, and wanted to do more of it.

The movie idea came to fruition after Wahlberg watched Bieber play, and win MVP, at last year’s All-Star NBA game. (Video Below). Watching the video you certainly get the feel that Bieber knows his way around the basketball court.

But he also knows his way around the hockey rink, soccer field, basketball court, and football field. The kid is multi-talented and will be a perfect fit says Wahlberg.

Bieber is no stranger to the movie screen either. His 2011 3D movie “Never Say Never” has grossed almost $100 million worldwide, and he has also contributed music to friend Jaden Smith’s “Karate Kid” remake.

The movie will be produced by Wahlberg and Stephen Levinson, and Bieber’s manager Scooter Braun will also participate. The script will be written by Ian Edelman.

The film will be standard 2D and not a 3D version like Bieber’s “Never Say Never”, and most likely distributed by Paramount.

“The tone of the project is described as ‘The Color of Money’ meets ‘The Karate Kid’. Justin loved the idea, and he’s been sending me video, he sent me a video of himself, and, yeah, I think he’s really talented.”

Wahlberg also says there may also be a chance for Bieber to bring in a few of his friends like Ryan Butler, Jaden Smith or Chaz Somers for small bit parts or cameos.

But Bieber may find himself working on TWO movie projects this year as the L.A. Times has already reported Bieber is connected to a deal with Ashton Kutcher.

Related: Justin Bieber and Ashton Kutcher to Star in Teen Buddy Movie 'What Would Kenny Do?'

Could this be a new career for the teen singing sensation?

Bieber himself has told reporters that he loves acting and wants to do more of it. And Justin is at an age where most teen idols go into hiding for a year or two while they “grow out” of the awkward lanky years that have derailed so many young stars.

We say – go for it JB.

Watch Justin Bieber at the NBA All-Star Game


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