In an alternate universe, Jessica Biel might’ve starred alongside Justin Timberlake in romantic comedy Friends with Benefits, which arrives in theaters Friday. However, the former 7th Heaven star was passed over for ex-That ‘70s Show actress Mila Kunis, who’s enjoyed a string of successful movie roles since the nostalgic comedy ended in 2006.
“She was actually a huge fan of the project and screen-tested for it years ago,” said Benefits screenwriter David Newman, of Biel, at the movie’s Monday night premiere in New York City. Kunis, though, “was fated for the role.”
Might the recent dissolution of Timberlake and Biel’s four-year relationship have something to do with the 29-year-old actress not being cast? Benefits began filming last summer and the two didn’t break up until this March, but the casting of Kunis couldn’t have helped.
The movie, which also stars Woody Harrelson, Emma Stone and Patricia Clarkson, chronicles the lives of two friends who decide to engage in casual, non-committal sex, not expecting to grow romantic feelings for one another. Of course, as they soon find out, it’s never that easy.
