Zac Efron at the "17 Again" Premiere held at Cinema Gaumont Opera Capucines, Paris, France last March 24, 2009 (Photo Anuhea/Celebutopia)
High School Musical star Zac Efron has reportedly turned down the offer to be part of Paramount’s remake of “Footloose” that is expected to be released in 2010. The actor is currently eyeing a role in the film adaptation of the novel “The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud.”
Variety reports that production of the said film adaptation would take place in July. Ben Sherwood, former executive producer of “Good Morning America” wrote the book about a cemetery caretaker who communicates with his dead brother, whose death he thinks he had caused. The film adaptation would be directed by “17 Again” director Burr Steers.
Paramount Pictures has released a statement on Monday regarding Efron’s decision to drop out of the film.
“Footloose is a project we’ve longed to see re-booted for a new generation. While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of [director] Kenny Ortega, [producers] Neil Meron and Craig Zaden, who will reinvigorate the franchise,” said a Paramount representative.
“17 Again,” Zac Efron and director Burr Steers’ collaboration would be released by New Line/Warner Bros. on April 17 (in the US). – With reports from Variety, Us Magazine and Entertainment Weekly
