Zac Efron's Response to Matthew Perry's Biopic Casting Idea Resurfaces After 14-Year Co-Starring Experience

Article Overview

Zac Efron is "honored" by the late Matthew Perry's suggestion that he should play him in a biopic, calling Perry his mentor.

There are presently no plans to adapt Perry's memoir into a feature film, but the considerable love expressed after his passing may increase the chances of a biographical movie being made.

Should a biopic on Matthew Perry materialize, Efron aspires to fulfill Perry's desire by portraying him on-screen posthumously.

Zac Efron graciously responds to the late Matthew Perry's proposal of having Efron portray him in a biographical film. Perry, well-known for his portrayal of Chandler in Friends, sadly passed away on October 28 at 54 years old. Efron and Perry previously worked together in the movie 17 Again, with Efron taking on the role of a younger version of Perry's character.

After Perry's untimely demise, Efron discloses his feelings about Perry's recent suggestion of having Efron portray him in a biopic about his life. According to Deadline, Efron expressed his gratitude for Perry considering him for such a significant role. Efron further praises Perry, whom he refers to as his "mentor." Below is the complete statement from Efron:

Will a Matthew Perry Biopic Happen?

I am privileged to have been considered for the role he envisioned me playing. The prospect is both humbling and highly esteemed. He served as a guiding figure in my life, and we collaborated on an exceptionally delightful cinematic project. I greatly admired him and acquired valuable comedic timing from his tutelage. The experience of acting alongside him in 17 Again was astonishing, for I had absorbed an abundance of knowledge from his entire life.

Will a Matthew Perry Biopic Happen?

Prior to his passing, Perry penned an immensely popular memoir titled Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir. According to Perry's close associate Athenna Crosby, he harbored a deep desire to have his book adapted into a film someday. It was Crosby who revealed that Perry had expressed his intention to approach Zac Efron to portray a younger version of himself in the potential movie adaptation.

There are currently no active plans to develop Perry's memoir into a feature film, despite Perry expressing his desire for it. The book was released in 2022 and achieving bestselling status in such a short time makes it unlikely for a Perry biopic to be in development already. However, the recent passing of the actor increases the likelihood of a biopic about Perry being made.

The immense love and support shown following Perry's death indicate that a Perry biopic may become a reality. Many actors, including Efron, have expressed how much they have learned from Perry, and countless others have admired him for his portrayal of Chandler in Friends over the years. If a Perry biopic does come to fruition, it would be fitting for Efron to bring Perry's story to life, fulfilling the late actor's wish.

Efron's next role is a different biographical movie, The Iron Claw.

Source: Deadline

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I'm thrilled to hear about Zac Efron's enthusiastic response to Matthew Perry's idea of casting him in a potential biopic. The fact that Perry considered Efron for such a significant role speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he had for Efron's talent. It's heartwarming to see the younger actor reciprocate those sentiments and acknowledge Perry as a mentor.

Moreover, the possibility of a Matthew Perry biopic materializing is exciting. Perry's memoir, "Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing," offers a glimpse into his life and struggles, making it a rich source of material for a compelling film. The outpouring of love and support following Perry's passing further indicates the public's interest in his story.