'NSYNC

The much-talked-about *NSYNC biopic never got off the ground ... 'cause TMZ has learned the guys just weren't sold on the pitch or the producer behind it.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... the project never even made it to the screenwriter stage. The idea was brought to the band by Justin Timberlake's manager after "Fast & Furious" producer Neal H. Moritz started shopping it around, but the band's collective teams were unified that Neal might not be the right fit for this project.

Our sources say the guys, along with their teams, had a group conversation about the potential film and agreed they should explore meetings with other producers in addition to Neal. We're told that would only happen if the band decided to embark on the much-wanted reunion tour ... something Justin wasn't ready to commit to.

Joey Fatone offered up some great advice to Bad Bunny this week ... and he did it all while on the TMZ Sports Live Stream!!

The *NSYNC band member joined Edward Lewis, Lucas Widman and the rest of the newsroom guys and gals on Monday to talk music, sports ... and the upcoming Super Bowl halftime show.

Fatone said he really liked the NFL's pick for SB LX -- explaining that while he knows the Bad Bunny selection divided some people, he's actually in favor of the Big Game rotating performers from all kinds of genres.

Four of the five members of *NSYNC are in serious talks about giving fans the reunion they’ve been waiting for -- even if Justin Timberlake doesn't sign on ... TMZ has learned.

Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ ... Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, JC Chasez, and Chris Kirkpatrick have been discussing big plans for the group's 30th anniversary, including the possibility of an arena tour without JT. We're told the guys know demand is still sky high, and promoters believe fans will pack arenas even with just 4 of them.

As we first reported, the foursome were eager to sign onto a massive stadium tour deal from Live Nation and AEG last August for a 2026 run. The offer was presented to all five, but Justin never engaged -- long before his Lyme disease diagnosis made headlines.

Boy band worlds collided at the Sphere in Las Vegas ... because *NSYNC superstar JC Chasez hit up the venue to see the Backstreet Boys ... and he was treated like royalty.

Our sources tell us JC sat and watched the concert with James Dolan in his suite ... Dolan owns the Sphere, Madison Square Garden and the New York Knicks ... so you already know those are good seats!!!

Before the show, JC went to dinner with his girlfriend, Jenn, his manager, Eric Podwall and President of Entertainment for MGM Resorts Ryan Abboushi ... and at the Sphere, he posed for some photos with Nick Carter, AJ McLean, Kevin Richardson, Brian Littrell and Howie Dorough.

An *NSYNC vs. Backstreet Boys golf match might actually happen -- this I promise you -- 'cause Lance Bass tells TMZ Sports he's accepting the "Larger Than Life" crooners' challenge!!

Just a few days after Brian Littrell and Nick Carter told us they wanted to mix it up with *NSYNC on the links ... Bass made it clear he's down.

"Of course," he said while out in Los Angeles ... "Bring it!"

Forget Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson, the man who created "The Match" tells TMZ Sports he wants the next iteration of the famed golf event to feature the Backstreet Boys vs. *NSYNC!

Bryan Zuriff -- a film and TV producer who brought "The Match" to life in 2018 -- said on Friday he's all in on the idea of the boy band battle on the links ... after he heard BSB issue Justin Timberlake and Co. the challenge on TMZ Sports this week.

Zuriff said he's got a big vision for the potential event ... explaining he wants it to go down at the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas -- with the Sphere (where BSB are currently performing) in the backdrop!

A boy band battle between the Backstreet Boys and *NSYNC might finally go down ... but sorry, music heads -- if BSB has it their way, it won't be with microphones.

Nick Carter and Brian Littrell told TMZ Sports this week they actually want to take on Justin Timberlake and Co. in a golf match!

The guys threw down the challenge while they were playing a round at Pebble Beach ... during a brief break from their tour at the Sphere in Las Vegas.

Lance Bass says some bad medical news actually turned out to be a good thing ... and he's got some advice for anyone battling diabetes.

We got the *NSYNC member Tuesday in New York City and our photog asked him about being diagnosed with Type 1.5 diabetes.

Lance says the diagnosis was actually a blessing in disguise ... because the condition forced him to start living a healthier lifestyle, and now he feels better than ever before.

Ray "Roy" Edward Chasez, the father of JC Chasez, has died ... TMZ has learned.

Sources tell TMZ ... Roy died last month in Florida after a battle with cancer. This was his fifth bout with the disease.

We're told a celebration of life was held on Saturday in the Orlando area and multiple members of *NSYNC attended.

Justin Timberlake is not bringing "SexyBack" tonight ... 'cause he's got a nasty case of the flu and can't perform tonight.

The singer-songwriter posted an apology to his Instagram Thursday evening ... telling fans he was heartbroken, but he needed to cancel the show in Columbus, Ohio because he couldn't even get through soundcheck.

He says it kills him to disappoint his fans and all the members of his team who worked so hard to put the show together ... and, he promises everyone will receive refunds for their tickets.

Boyband stans, rejoice! Backstreet Boys’ AJ McLean and *NSYNC’s Joey Fatone are teaming up for a killer New Year’s Eve performance -- and they're spilling all the tea about it to TMZ.

AJ and Joey dropped by "TMZ Live" today, raving about how their last boyband mash-up was such a hit, it sparked their upcoming show -- AKA a heartfelt love letter to their fans.

You’ve gotta watch the video -- AJ and Joey’s passion is off the charts, and it’s clear their energy is all thanks to the die-hard fans who’ve been vibing to their tunes all these years.

11:15 AM PT -- Suffolk County D.A. Raymond A. Tierney just released a statement ... saying they appreciate Justin Timberlake's willingness to accept responsibility for his actions -- and to use his platform to increase public awareness of drunk driving.

He adds Timberlake didn't receive any special treatment because of his celebrity status ... adding justice should always be applied fairly.

10:10 AM PT -- The first photos of Justin Timberlake from inside the courthouse are out ... capturing the singer-songwriter as he and his lawyer Ed Burke Jr. handled the plea in his case this morning.

While he looked somber in some photos, he cracked a huge grin in others ... looking pretty relieved to put the whole ordeal behind him.

9:50 AM PT -- Justin is addressing the media outside the Sag Harbor courthouse for the court-ordered apology ... telling the assembled press, reiterating much of what he said in the courtroom. He says he tries to hold himself to a high standard -- something he didn't do in this case.

JT adds he could've made a different, more responsible decision, but he did not. He tells people not to get behind the wheel of a car, even if they only have one drink.

Timberlake thanks everyone -- from the residents of Sag Harbor to those in the courtroom to police on the streets -- for working through this process with him. He says he's going to do his part to end drunk driving, and he hopes everyone else can do the same.

9:44 AM PT -- Justin Timberlake has officially left the courthouse ... walking out quietly in front of numerous onlookers after pleading guilty.

9:07 AM PT -- The judge has officially accepted Justin Timberlake's plea deal ... and he will do 25 hours community service within one year, and pay a fine up to $500 and issue a court-ordered apology. The judge thanked Justin for all that he said and for speaking from the heart. His license in NY State will have a 90-day suspension.

9:04 AM PT -- The judge asks Justin Timberlake how the court can be certain this won't happen again ... and, he responds he can say with "the utmost honesty I won't be back here again" -- joking he doesn't mean Sag Harbor, 'cause he loves the city.

9:00 AM PT -- JT's saying he's had time to reflect on his actions and didn't live up to his own personal standards. He says he understands his platform, one he spent a life building.

Timberlake adds he's grateful for the opportunity to learn, and he should've made a better decision for himself. He says he was raised on a certain set of values ... and, this isn't it.

8:57 AM PT -- Justin has just confessed to consuming alcohol before his arrest and driving impaired. Remember, back in July, his lawyer insisted Justin was not intoxicated when cops pulled him over.

8:53 AM PT -- Justin Timberlake's court appearance is underway ... and, as part of the guilty plea, he's agreed to do 25-40 hours of community service, and he will make a public service announcement, presumably about driving while impaired.

Remember, back in the day, Justin and the rest of *NSYNC made a PSA about drunk driving ... so, familiar territory for the the star.

Justin Timberlake just arrived at the Sag Harbor courthouse to enter his plea in his driving while ability impaired case, and the pop star ain't smiling in the clip.

The singer-songwriter arrived in a navy blue sweater and brown-gray slacks, rose-colored sunglasses covering his eyes ... and, a serious expression on his face as he marched up the stairs toward his hearing.

There's a lot of shouting and yelling from photogs in the clip ... and, someone asks if he has a message for his fans -- though he chooses not to respond.

*NSYNC is back in the zeitgeist thanks to 'Deadpool' -- and while there's renewed pressure for a reunion, it won't happen unless they're all on board ... so says Chris Kirkpatrick.

Here's the deal ... the '90s boy band's hit song "Bye Bye Bye" blasted into the Top 20 on Spotify's global chart this past week more than two decades after its original release -- all because Ryan Reynolds featured the tune in the opening credits of "Deadpool & Wolverine."

Since their names are being thrown around again as a result of the movie -- folks are yet again clamoring for the guys to get together for a tour (or even new music) ... but Chris tells TMZ there's a major hang-up that might prevent that from ever happening.

Justin Timberlake seems to be saying bye, bye, bye to *NSYNC reunion tour talks -- 'cause he's the odd man out in terms of who's willing to talk about it ... TMZ has learned.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Justin and his team have yet to address respective proposals for a possible *NSYNC stadium tour next summer -- this despite the fact Lance Bass, Chris Kirkpatrick, Joey Fatone and JC Chasez have all responded with interest after different promoters made their pitches 4 months ago.

In other words ... JT is the only one who hasn't engaged in these convos -- and we're told the other guys are disappointed with Justin's radio silence.

Justin Timberlake opened up about his DWI arrest during his Friday night concert in Illinois, emotionally telling the crowd he had "a tough week."

The singer/actor hit the stage at Chicago's United Center for his first performance of his 'Forget Tomorrow' world tour since he was busted last week for DWI in New York.

Check out the video ... Justin was standing at the mic with an acoustic guitar strapped around his body as the audience cheered.