Director has high hopes for Timberlake

John Singleton is confident that Justin Timberlake will go far as an actor.

Singleton, whose past directing credits include Shaft, Boyz n the Hood and 2 Fast 2 Furious, has spoken about the Cry Me A River singer's role in upcoming movie Black Snake Moan, which Singleton is co-producing.

Although he admits that not all music stars have what it takes to make it in the film industry, he has successfully brought the likes of Ice Cube and Janet Jackson some success in the area.

Directed by Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow), the film will star Samuel L. Jackson as a former blues musician who sets out to protect nymphomaniac Christina Ricci. Timberlake will play Ricci's boyfriend.

Contactmusic.com quotes Singleton as saying of Timberlake: "I think Justin is going to be a huge movie star. He's a southern boy playing a southern boy. His heart and soul is in this role. I've told him what I tell every musician I cast in my films, 'Take it seriously and attack the role with everything you've got'."