CHRIS ROCK is hoping to win the role off an eccentric pop star in the $39 million (£30 million) musical comedy BIG IN JAPAN.

The NURSE BETTY (2000) funnyman wants to play the leader of a one-hit wonder hip-hop group who are re-discovered in the Far East.

NEXT FRIDAY (2000) director STEVE CARR is taking control of the movie. A worker on the project says of Rock, "He has been waiting for an opportunity to do something musical. Rather strangely, they also love him in Japan where the movie is set. Rap music is huge out there at the moment. " (KW/WNWCAN/ES)

Source: WENN