Corpus Christi Hooks Carlton Garrett Gets Hollywood Treatment, Justin Timberlake and Jeff Bridges Star in Film - Texas League

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com - CORPUS CHRISTI – Move over Brandon Backe. Move over Hunter Pence. Move over Jeff Bagwell. A new star will soon wear the Hooks uniform.

Justin Timberlake dons the Hooks home whites when he portrays Corpus Christi player Carlton Garrett in the upcoming movie, The Open Road.

Timberlake joins veterans Jeff Bridges and Academy Award winner Mary Steenburgen in Michael Meredith’s independent film project. Kate Mara, who starred in Brokeback Mountain and We Are Marshall, is Timberlake’s love interest.

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Timberlake’s character attempts to reconnect with his father, a legendary athlete played by Bridges. The two struggle along a journey home to the bedside of Garrett’s ailing mother.

The 27-year-old Timberlake, who rose to fame with boy band ‘N Sync, has captured six Grammy Awards, three American Music Awards and an Emmy. In 2002, he released his debut solo album, Justified, which sold over 7 million copies worldwide. 2006’s FutureSex/Love Sounds generated six Top 20 hits, making Timberlake the first to accomplish that feat since Michael Jackson did so with Dangerous in 1991-92.

The Open Road is Timberlake’s 10th film. Earlier credits include Model Behavior (2000), On the Line (2001), Edison Force (2005), Alpha Dog (2006), Shrek the Third (voice 2007) and Southland Tales (2007). The Love Guru is scheduled for release June 20.

Over the last four decades, Bridges, 58, has appeared in over 60 films.

“We are pleased, honored and excited about Justin’s portrayal of a Hooks player in The Open Road,” team president J.J. Gottsch said. “Obviously, it’s a nice exposure opportunity for the franchise and we look forward to assisting in any way possible.”

Said Meredith: “I’m a fifth-generation Texan, so having the honor of working with J.J. and the Hooks, and having the support of a Lone Star legend like Mr. (Nolan) Ryan… well, I consider myself pretty fortunate.”

Meredith, producer Jordan Foley and Gottsch first discussed the project in the fall of 2006. Over the last few weeks, Hooks staff members have assisted Meredith’s team with research compilation.

Production of The Open Road begins today in Louisiana.