From Boy Band Member to Rambo

Justin Timberlake is preparing another album, the follow up to his 2003 debut Justified. His first album ranked number 1 and Justin himself declared: �The songs were every great idea I'd ever had."

His new release has a lot to live up to and Timberlake is trying hard to ensure the success of the new album. He has teamed up with producer Rick Rubin, the man responsible for a lot of Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chilli Peppers hits and also for Aerosmith's famous 1987 collaboration with Run - D.M.C. for Walk This Way.

Justin's latest plans might speed things up in the studio and finish the recordings for the album faster than he had originally planed.

Timberlake, who has just finished co-starring in the movies Edison and Alpha Dog, has recently accepted the leading role in another movie. He was eventually chosen to portray a Rambo-like character in spite of the producers' initial worries that he is not tough enough to play such a role.

A source said: "Justin is thrilled about getting his first leading role. It is a huge challenge for him and he's excited as well as nervous. He will have to work quickly to finish the songs. He has been in the studio but he won't have much time once he starts filming."