Justin Timberlake makes first film

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Justin Timberlake has been cast in his first Hollywood feature film, playing a novice journalist who uncovers a big story in the crime drama "Edison."

The announcement ended months of speculation about Timberlake's film debut, which often had paired the pop singer with producers of the upcoming "Superman" movie. Timberlake, who was rumored to be cast as Superman's sidekick, Jimmy Olsen, reviewed scripts for more than a year before deciding on the role of Joshua Pollack in "Edison," the MTV News Web site reported Wednesday.

Timberlake's "Edison" co-stars include Morgan Freeman, Kevin Spacey and L.L. Cool J.

To prepare for his role, Timberlake will shadow an undisclosed daily newspaper reporter in the coming weeks.

Film production is scheduled to begin March 8 in Vancouver, B.C.