"Justin wants to portray what it's like playing for the Hooks, playing for an Astros minor league team and playing at Whataburger Field," Hooks president J.J. Gottsch said.
But the 27-year-old Timberlake won't be at Whataburger Field anytime soon. Shooting began Tuesday in Hammond, La.
"The Open Road" is the story of a young man trying to reconnect with his father -- a legendary athlete, played by Jeff Bridges -- as he struggles to get home to his ailing mother. Mary Steenburgen and Kata Mara are also in the film.
Writer-director Michael Meredith, the son of former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith and a former University of Texas at Austin student, drew on his Texas ties for the concept, Gottsch said.
While most of the real Hooks are preparing for spring training, Gottsch remained hopeful that a handful of players may be able to consult with Timberlake -- No. 31 in the movie -- about his role.
Last year, Timberlake voiced a character in the Mike Myers opus, "Shrek the Third." His other film credits include "Model Behavior" (2000), "Edison" (2005), "Black Snake Moan" (2006) and "Alpha Dog" (2006).
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