Backstreet's Howie in a movie

Backstreet Boys member Howie D is heading to the big screen, according to the U.K. movie website Popcorn.

Shortly after reports that Britney Spears and Ricky Martin are considering starring in a "Dirty Dancing" update and the *Nsync boys are about to star in their first film, comes news that Backstreet's Howie just scored a lead role in a Hollywood film.

Howie, 26, started acting at the age of eight but put his thespian skills on the back burner after joining the Backstreet Boys at 19, Popcorn reports.

Now Howie is returning to acting. He'll star in "Bloom", a coming-of-age story about a young Jewish man.

According to Howie, his role will be challenging because his character is "a bully".

Shooting on the movie is scheduled to begin in May, but Backstreet fans will be relieved to hear that Howie isn't leaving the Backstreet Boys but plans to juggle acting, touring and recording.

--AllPop