Moviehole.net reported in 2005 that Willis wanted Justin Timberlake to play his son in Die Hard 4.0.

Director Nick Cassavetes asked Timberlake to play James Mardsen's part. Timberlake turned it down, saying the role required a "movie star" and to call him when there was a meatier part.

Campaigned heavily to play Roger in the movie version of RENT both to Spike Lee (attached to direct but left the project) and to eventual director Chris Columbus. Dispite his want to play the role, he was never seen as appropriate vocally or in appearance.