Justin Timberlake is back on our screens in emotional first ‘Palmer’ trailer

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Justin Timberlake acting on our screens (3 years to be precise) but, finally, the singer, actor, and producer is making his return. Taking to social media on Thursday, Timberlake shared the official trailer for Palmer, set for release early next year.

Palmer marks Timberlake’s return to onscreen movie acting (let’s not forget he voiced Branch in 2020’s Trolls World Tour), and his return to the drama genre. The coming-of-age story is set in Louisiana, and centres around a high school football star named Eddie Palmer (Timberlake) who, after a series of bad choices, is convicted of a crime and ends up serving a 12-year prison sentence. Upon his return to town, Palmer works to adjust to life as an ex-convict, and ends up watching over a 7-year-old child in his neighbourhood, Sam, whose mother has abandoned him. Palmer quickly notices how different Sam is from other boys his age, as well as the bullying he receives from his peers. The two eventually begin to bond, giving Palmer a new sense of purpose.

First look at #PALMER directed by Fisher Stevens (script by Cheryl Guerriero). This story is really important to me and I’m proud to be part of it. Coming to @AppleTV JAN 29 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/hNA1Af11wG

— Justin Timberlake (@jtimberlake) December 17, 2020

Directed by Fisher Stevens, the film also stars Alisha Wainwright, Juno Temple, June Squibb, and Ryder Allen. In his tweet, Timberlake notes the importance of the story that Palmer tells, and how proud he is to be a part of the project. The trailer gives us a glimpse at a more reserved and constrained Timberlake, paired with tender moments between his character and Sam. Honestly, get your tissues ready because Palmer looks like it will be an emotional ride (insert ‘Cry Me a River’ joke here).

While the trailer is giving fans a lot to look forward to, the film’s production wasn’t without some personal hiccups for JT. Earlier this year, Timberlake made headlines when he was photographed holding hands with co-star Alisha Wainwright on a night out in New Orleans.

Following the incident, Timberlake shared a statement addressing the photos and calling it a “lapse in judgement.” He made a public apology to his wife, Jessica Biel, and noted that while nothing happened between him and Wainwright, the behaviour caught on camera was “not the example” he wanted to set for their son, Silas. Biel and Timberlake have since celebrated their eighth wedding anniversary and stealthily welcomed their second child.

Palmer will be released on Apple TV+ on January 29.

BEFORE YOU GO: Bella Hadid’s mac and cheese recipe has left fans horrified

[video_embed id='2093347']BEFORE YOU GO: Bella Hadid’s mac and cheese recipe has left fans horrified[/video_embed]