Zac Efron pays tribute to late star

Zac Efron has expressed his honor at being considered for the role of Matthew Perry in a potential biopic about the late actor’s life.

In a new interview, Efron spoke fondly of his “mentor” and 17 Again co-star, saying, “I’m honored to hear he was thinking of me to play him. I’d be honored to do it.”

Efron and Perry starred together in the 2009 comedy 17 Again, in which Efron played the younger version of Perry’s character. Their bond on set moved Perry, who reportedly wanted Efron to play him in a biopic.

Athenna Crosby, one of the last people to see Perry before his death, told Entertainment Tonight that Perry was “enthusiastic” about working with Efron again and sharing his story of recovery from addiction.

#ZacEfron is opening up about #MatthewPerry and says he would be “honored” to play him in a film about his life. pic.twitter.com/Li2wv764tO

— People (@people) November 9, 2023

“He was just looking forward to sharing more about his story and his recovery from addiction and really championing that cause to help more people,” Crosby said.

Efron, who is set to play Kevin Von Erich in the upcoming Iron Claw movie, said that he learned a lot from Perry during their time together on 17 Again.

“I looked up to him. I learned comedic timing from that guy,” Efron told People. “I mean, when we were filming 17 Again it was so surreal for me to look across and have him be there, because I’ve learned so much from him, from his whole life.”