Justin Timberlake’s Unexpected Hulu Debut: From Pop Icon to Detective in Wife Jessica Biel’s True Crime Series ‘Candy’
In a surprising turn that captured widespread attention, global superstar Justin Timberlake stepped into an entirely new role, trading his microphone for a badge to join the cast of Hulu’s gripping true crime limited series, Candy. The series stars his real-life wife, Jessica Biel, in the titular role of Candy Montgomery, a seemingly ordinary suburban housewife whose life takes a dark turn into murder. Timberlake’s unexpected cameo, complete with a fake belly and a very real mustache, added an intriguing layer to the already compelling narrative, marking a significant departure from his typical on-screen persona and creating an immediate buzz among fans and critics alike.
“So, I married an axe murderer,” Justin Timberlake playfully captioned an Instagram Story posted in the early hours of Thursday (May 12). While the humorous caption might have brought to mind Mike Myers’ 1993 dark comedy, Justin, 41, was actually referencing his significant appearance in Candy, the highly anticipated Hulu limited series. This show features his talented wife, Jessica Biel, also 41, in the lead role of Candy Montgomery, a woman who notoriously killed her best friend with an axe in 1980. Timberlake’s role, that of a detective investigating the brutal crime, positions him directly within the chilling narrative, offering a unique dynamic to the on-screen partnership of the real-life couple.
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Timberlake’s commitment to his character, a detective named Diffy, was evident in his physical transformation. “Belly’s fake, hair’s fake, mustache is real. Meet Diffy,” Justin revealed in an Instagram gallery, showcasing himself alongside Jessica, both perfectly in character for their Candy roles. The images displayed Justin’s stomach peeking over his belt, which proudly featured an officer’s badge and a prominent belt buckle. This aesthetic was a stark contrast to the sleek, ‘SexyBack’ persona fans have come to know. Instead, he presented a distinctly different image, one that could easily be mistaken for a no-nonsense high school vice-principal from the heart of the Midwest, lending an air of authenticity to his role in the true crime drama. Jessica Biel also shared her excitement, posting photos on her own account with the caption, “Watch out, Candy. There’s a new sheriff in town.” This playful banter between the couple underscored the personal connection to the project and the lightheartedness they maintained despite the dark subject matter. This collaboration not only highlights their individual talents but also their ability to embrace challenging, transformative roles together.
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Candy delves deep into the unsettling events of 1980 in Wylie, a tranquil small town in North Texas. The series meticulously recounts the real-life tragedy involving Candy Montgomery, a homemaker who was accused of the brutal axe murder of her best friend, Betty Gore, a role masterfully portrayed by Melanie Lynskey. Despite the horrific nature of the crime, Candy was famously acquitted of murder, successfully arguing self-defense during her trial. The roots of this tragedy lay in an illicit affair between Candy and Betty’s husband, Allan Gore. This secret came to a head on June 13, 1980, when Betty confronted Candy. According to reports from WFAA, the confrontation escalated into a violent struggle involving an axe. Candy ultimately prevailed, but not before reportedly striking Betty a staggering 41 times with the weapon, an act that sent shockwaves through their community and beyond.
The ensuing trial was a media sensation, scrutinizing every detail of the fatal encounter. During the proceedings, Candy Montgomery’s defense hinged on her plea that she acted purely out of self-preservation. Her legal team argued compellingly that she had been struck twice with the axe by Betty and, upon gaining control of the weapon, the physically heavier and larger Betty refused to release her, forcing Candy to defend herself with extreme measures. The prosecution, however, challenged this narrative, contending that Candy had viable opportunities to flee the scene rather than resorting to such extreme violence against her friend. After intense deliberations, a jury ultimately found Candy Montgomery not guilty, a verdict that continues to spark debate and fascination decades later. This complex legal battle, with its ambiguities and emotional intensity, forms the core of the Hulu series, inviting viewers to ponder the intricacies of self-defense and the limits of human behavior under pressure.
In the wake of her highly controversial acquittal, Candy Montgomery and her then-husband, Pat Montgomery, relocated to Georgia, attempting to escape the intense scrutiny and notoriety that followed the trial. The couple later divorced, as reported by Distractify, and Candy subsequently embarked on a new career path, reportedly working as a mental health counselor. However, the passage of time has not diminished the impact of the events, especially for those directly involved. According to Buzzfeed, Candy’s family is “displeased that all this is being dredged up,” with one family member expressing their distress to reporter Stephanie McNeal, stating it’s “extremely frustrating and definitely stressful. I hate that when I just want to scroll through the Hulu menu, I get slammed with a giant picture of ‘Candy.’” This sentiment underscores the enduring pain and difficulty that resurfacing such a tragic and public event can cause for those connected to it. The decision by Hulu to bring this story to a new generation reflects the enduring public fascination with true crime, a genre that thrives on exploring the darker aspects of human nature and the complexities of justice.
The rise of true crime narratives in popular culture, especially on streaming platforms like Hulu, has brought renewed attention to infamous cases like Candy Montgomery’s. These series often attempt to humanize the figures involved, explore the motivations behind their actions, and re-examine the legal processes that shaped their fates. For viewers, the appeal often lies in the psychological puzzles, the social commentaries, and the opportunity to delve into real-life events that defy easy explanation. While critics sometimes raise concerns about the ethical implications of dramatizing real tragedies, particularly for the victims’ families, such shows undeniably provide a platform for discussions about justice, morality, and the human condition.
Justin Timberlake’s participation in Candy, playing a detective involved in the case, adds another layer of intrigue. His role as a law enforcement officer, investigating the very crime his wife’s character committed, creates a fascinating on-screen dynamic that blurs the lines between their real-life relationship and their fictional portrayals. This casting decision not only elevates the profile of the limited series but also demonstrates Timberlake’s versatility as an actor, willing to embrace roles that challenge his established image. His supportive cameo is a testament to the strong partnership he shares with Jessica Biel, both personally and professionally, as they tackle one of the most compelling and disturbing true crime stories of the 20th century. Fans eager to see both stars in a unique dramatic setting, especially within the captivating true crime genre, will find Candy to be a must-watch, offering a fresh perspective on a decades-old enigma.