Backstreet Boy AJ McLean to Star in Sheep-Themed Comedy Film

The movie, titled 'Shearing the Love,' also features singer Daniel Bedingfield in a supporting role.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:02am

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An abstract, minimalist illustration composed of black silhouettes of a sheep, a pair of shears, and a microphone, set against a high-contrast background of solid red and white colors, conceptually representing the sheep-themed comedy film starring Backstreet Boy AJ McLean.A comedic take on the world of competitive sheep-shearing, featuring a pop star at the center of the action.Inglewood Today

Former Backstreet Boys member AJ McLean has landed a role in an upcoming sheep-themed comedy film called 'Shearing the Love.' The movie, which stars Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush, is about a celebrity hairstylist who returns home to New Zealand and becomes a competitive sheep-shearer to prove himself to his father. McLean will play himself and get involved with the family through his involvement in the 'Golden Shears,' the world championship of sheep-shearing. New Zealand-born singer Daniel Bedingfield, known for the 2001 hit 'Gotta Get Thru This,' will also appear in the film as himself.

Why it matters

This project marks a unique career move for AJ McLean, best known as a member of the popular 90s boy band Backstreet Boys. The film's sheep-shearing theme and inclusion of other music stars like Daniel Bedingfield suggests it will blend comedy, celebrity, and an unusual competitive sport in an attempt to appeal to a wide audience.

The details

In 'Shearing the Love,' AJ McLean will play a version of himself who gets caught up in the world of competitive sheep-shearing after a celebrity hairstylist, played by Geoffrey Rush, returns to his native New Zealand. The film will feature the 'Golden Shears,' the real-life world championship of sheep-shearing, as a key plot point. Daniel Bedingfield, the brother of singer Natasha Bedingfield, will also appear in the film as himself.

  • The film is currently in production, with no confirmed release date.

The players

AJ McLean

A member of the popular 1990s boy band Backstreet Boys, who has now landed a role in the upcoming sheep-themed comedy film 'Shearing the Love.'

Geoffrey Rush

An Oscar-winning actor who stars as the lead in the film 'Shearing the Love' as a celebrity hairstylist who returns to his native New Zealand.

Daniel Bedingfield

A New Zealand-born singer best known for his 2001 hit song 'Gotta Get Thru This,' who will also appear in 'Shearing the Love.'

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The takeaway

AJ McLean's involvement in this unique sheep-shearing comedy film represents a creative career move for the former Backstreet Boy, as he branches out beyond his boy band roots. The inclusion of other music stars like Daniel Bedingfield suggests the film aims to blend humor, celebrity, and an unusual competitive sport to appeal to a wide audience.