Zac Efron, the 37-year-old actor known for his breakthrough role as Troy Bolton in Disney's High School Musical franchise, is set to showcase his versatility with dual roles in the upcoming film, Famous. Set in the glitzy yet gritty world of Los Angeles, the movie delves into the darker aspects of fame. Directed by Jody Hill, Famous offers Efron the challenge he seeks as an actor, presenting him as both an overenthusiastic fan named Lance Dunkquist and a Hollywood heartthrob, James Jansen.
In addition to his dramatic roles, Efron will soon be seen alongside Will Ferrell in a new comedy film. Ferrell takes on the part of a megalomaniac judge, while Efron portrays a young convict who takes a reality TV courtroom hostage. Nicholas Stoller, with whom Efron collaborated on the romantic comedy You're Cordially Invited, is producing this new venture under his Stoller Global Solutions' banner.
Efron's career choices reflect his inclination towards unexpected and challenging paths. As he recently shared in an interview:
"I'm constantly faced with two paths. The road that leads to something everybody has already seen or is expecting, or the more challenging road, which tends to be a bit more confusing and definitely the harder road to take. And inevitably I always go with that road when I can."
His role in The Iron Claw, released in 2023, further exemplifies this approach. Efron starred as wrestler Kevin Von Erich, a character that allowed him to utilize his dancing skills honed during his High School Musical days. Reflecting on this experience, he expressed how impactful and enjoyable it was:
"Dancing helped, for sure. There was no way to get into wrestling other than just to start. All the guys, we committed from the very first day, from the very first lesson. We showed up, we dropped our egos at the door and just started to listen. We had a great coach and yeah, it was hard."
"Wrestling is no joke, I have a ton of respect for it and it is one of the most fun things that I have been able to learn to apply to a film. It pulls on every creative and physical part of your being. It's really fun!"
As Efron continues to navigate his post-Disney career, his willingness to explore complex roles speaks volumes about his dedication to growth and artistry. His upcoming projects, Famous and the new comedy film with Ferrell, are poised to further solidify his reputation as a dynamic and multifaceted performer.
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