Zac Efron Enthusiastically Considers Portraying Matthew Perry in Biopic as Friends Star Desires
Zac Efron's reaction to Matthew Perry's desire for him to portray the Friends star in a biopic is revealed, leaving fans excited about the prospect of Efron stepping into Perry's shoes
Zac Efron expressed his gratitude upon discovering that Matthew Perry hoped for him to portray him in a biographical film. During the premiere of his upcoming movie "The Iron Claw" in Dallas on Wednesday, Efron shared, "I felt incredibly privileged."
"It would be extraordinary to do and, of course, Im just really still devastated by the fact hes gone. Yeah, well see what happens," he added.
Zac Efron played the younger version of Matthew Perry's character in the 2009 comedy film "17 Again."
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Athenna Crosby, the woman spotted having lunch with Perry at Hotel Bel-Air the day before his death at 54, revealed that the "Friends" actor was in high spirits. According to Crosby, Perry expressed his desire to create a biographical film about his own life and hoped to approach Zac Efron to portray a younger version of himself. She mentioned that Perry intended to ask Efron soon, further indicating his excitement about the potential project.
"He was just so looking forward to sharing more about his story and his recovery from addiction and really championing that cause to help more people," Crosby added.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - NOVEMBER 18: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Zac Efron is seen filming "The Iron Claw" on November 18, 2022 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images)
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Zac Efron's astounding evolution as Iron Claw remains consistently impressive. Efron and Perry shared the screen in the lighthearted 2009 comedy "17 Again." In this film, Efron brilliantly portrayed the youthful incarnation of Perry's character, Mike O'Donnell. The story revolves around a 37-year-old father given the extraordinary opportunity to reverse his life and relive his teenage years.
Perry mentioned last year that Efron had declined an offer to portray a younger version of him. During an interview on the SiriusXMs radio show "Pop Culture Spotlight with Jessica Shaw," he shared that he had recently completed a screenplay and was eager to direct it.
Perry mentioned that he played a minor role in it, initially writing it for his own purposes. However, he later came to the realization that he is too old, being 20 years older than the desired age for the part.
Additionally, he mentioned that he had envisioned a younger version of himself resembling Zac Efron for the role, but unfortunately, Efron declined. As a result, they need to search for someone else who will accept the opportunity.
