Jessica Biel claims she won't let her son, 11, benefit from nepotism despite him bagging a part in her latest film

Jessica Biel has claimed that she won't let her son benefit from nepotism despite him bagging a part in her latest film.

The actress, 44, has two sons – Silas, 11, and Phineas, six, – with her singer husband Justin Timberlake, 45.

However, Silas has already made his Hollywood debut alongside his mother with a cameo in action comedy Matchbox: The Movie which came out this month.

Speaking on the Great Chat Show podcast this week, Jessica explained that Silas had expressed interest in being an actor, which led her to having a very honest conversation with him.

She said: 'I told him there are kids who work really hard and they go to acting class and they're in theatre class and they're doing all the work. You can't just take a part from that person just because you're my son.' 'That's not cool. We're not doing that.'

Jessica went on to explain that she and Justin had tried to keep their children 'away from all of this [the entertainment industry]' but said she did not want to 'squash their dreams'.

Matchbox: The Movie producer Jules Daly had then asked if Silas wanted a 'little part' in the film.

The part involves an interaction with Jessica when she asks his character to get out of a vehicle. 

She explained on the podcast: 'What made Justin and I feel OK about it was that it was not a big speaking part'

'So this is a special opportunity because it's really teeny tiny. And, if you had a big monologue, I wouldn't let him do it.

'You would have to earn that part because we're not starting that, 'Oh, you just get handed a bunch of opportunities because you're part of this family.' We're not doing that.'

In the movie – which is centred around the highly popular childhood Matchbox toy cars – Jessica stars as Emmy, joined by the likes of John Cena, Sam Richardson, Arturo Castro and Teyonah Parris. 

They portray a group of former childhood friends who reconnect as their reunion takes a wild turn as they stumble upon a dangerous international plot and must save the world.

Matchbox: The Movie, which was directed by Sam Hargrave, is now streaming on Apple TV.

It comes after just a few weeks ago Jessica and Justin made a show-stopping entrance at the annual Academy Museum Gala.

The longtime couple showed off their bold and eccentric sense of style as they arrived on the red carpet in coordinating all-black looks with different textures.

For the star-studded soirée, Jessica wore a halter-style dress with feather details around her neck and a dramatic, fluffy shawl she wore on her arms.

Her dress featured an ultra-high, leg-revealing slit up the side and a long, velvet train that trailed after her as she sauntered across the red carpet. 

The 7th Heaven alum paired the daring gown with red bottom stilettos and a messy, slicked-back updo for the event.

On the red carpet, the pair held hands as they posed together.

Her pop star husband complemented her look in all-black, but his suit and tie featured a satin sheen and a different hue.

He completed his look with cat-eye sunglasses with deep orange-tinted lenses for the high fashion event. 

The couple's attendance at the gala came after it was revealed Biel would be starring in an upcoming film about the iconic Playboy Mansion.

She is set to portray the late Playboy founder's wife Crystal Harris, but since the casting was announced, a number of former Playmates have voiced their mixed reactions. 

Jessica has not yet publicly addressed the reactions to the announcement of the forthcoming project.