Directed by , the video was filmed in Barcelona, Spain.
: It features a high-fashion, cinematic aesthetic, leaning into a "spy thriller" theme with co-star Elena Anaya.
While the song remains a classic, Timberlake's legacy has faced recent scrutiny. Justin Timberlake - SexyBack (Official Video) ft. Timbaland
: Prince reportedly stated during an after-party that "Sexy never left," which many interpreted as a slight toward the song's title.
: The visuals emphasized a more mature, edgy image for Timberlake, moving him further away from his boy-band roots. 🥊 The Prince "Diss" Mystery
: The phrase "I'm bringing sexy back" became an immediate cultural catchphrase, spawning countless parodies and references in film and television. 📽️ Music Video & Visuals
: Timberlake's vocals were heavily distorted and filtered, a choice made to give the track a "rougher" edge compared to traditional pop.
The song marked a significant departure from Timberlake's earlier work with *NSYNC and his solo debut, Justified .