AJ McLean stars in 'Shearing The Love' with Geoffrey Rush as filming concludes in New Zealand

Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean has become a part of the sports comedy movie Shearing The Love alongside Oscar winner Geoffrey Rush.

Filming has recently concluded in New Zealand for this film, which Essential Film Group will continue to market at the Cannes market.

McLean and Rush will take on roles as executive producers as well. Also joining from the music scene is the New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Daniel Bedingfield, who will feature as himself.

As mentioned earlier, Dan Musgrove and Dom Hetrakul will also star. Shearing the Love "centers around Brian Castlehead (Musgrove), a former celebrity hairstylist who goes back home to venture into the competitive sheep shearing scene to gain respect from his father Bob (Rush), a man who has defined himself through this sport."

McLean portrays himself, "entering the intense and high-pressure environment of New Zealand’s Golden Shears, the world championship of the sport, and into the lives of a family in turmoil."

The film’s cast also features Rima Te Wiata (Hunt for the Wilderpeople), Johanna Cosgrove (Madam), and Michael Hurst (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys).

The screenplay is crafted by Dan Musgrove, Natalie Medlock, and Tom Hern. Hern, known for works like The Panthers, The Dark Horse, and Shadow in the Cloud, is making his directorial debut in feature films.

Producers include Nua Finau and Belindalee Hope through Tavake, a company established by Hern and Finau, in collaboration with Be Hope Films Limited.

The Backstreet Boys currently have a residency in Las Vegas at Sphere. Recently, McLean hosted a Netflix series on music competitions called Building the Band.

He expressed: “I was truly captivated by the core of the story, the comedy, the familial bonds, and the exploration of identity at the heart of the tale. It’s set in such a distinct New Zealand setting, but the themes resonate universally. Being involved in this, alongside a cast with someone like Geoffrey, was immensely rewarding.”

Rush shared his thoughts on the film: “I won’t shy away. I’ll be daring. The film industry in New Zealand consistently delivers vibrant storytelling: fresh and brimming with energy. Working with such spirited individuals is a rarity. Nothing was hidden away. We all enjoyed every moment. Everyone was a warrior at some point. All soared like Concordes. And it’s a riotous comedy as sheepshearing champs meet the dramatic world of hair salons in the Land of the Long White Cloud.”

The production is made in collaboration with the New Zealand Film Commission. Rialto Distribution will bring the film to audiences in Australia and New Zealand, with Vertigo managing its release in the UK.

McLean is represented by Wright Entertainment Group and Attentive Entertainment Group. Te Wiata’s representation is managed by Auckland Actors. Cosgrove and Michael Hurst are represented by Johnson & Laird.