Singer Justin Timberlake is in negotiations to play opposite the diminutive "Sleepy Hollow" actress Christina Ricci in the $13-million "Black Snake Moan".

Shooting starts in September and will be filmed in Timberlake's hometown, Memphis, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Other projects that could add to Timberlake's movie star status include co-starring with the Oscar-winning actress of "Million Dollar Baby" Morgan Freeman, and a coveted role in "Alpha Dog" directed by the independent film maverick Nick Cassavetes.

Timberlake also lends his voice to the upcoming "Shrek 3".

"Black Snake Moan" also stars the prolific Samuel L. Jackson who portrays a blues guitarist trying to help Ricci's oversexed character.

Timberlake has established his start status as a singer in the boy band 'Nsync.