andPOP » Zac Efron

Footloose Remake Loses Director Kenny Ortega

Vanessa Baker — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:55:49 +0000

High School Musical director Kenny Ortega has stepped down as director of the planned remake of Footloose, citing issues with the tone and budget of the film, reports E! News. This comes after Zac Efron also bailed on the project.

Ortega’s latest endeavour, This is It, a behind-the-scenes concert film about the late Michael Jackson, hits North American theatres Wednesday.

“Coming off of the extraordinary project, Michael Jackson’s This is It, director Kenny Ortega has decided it is premature for him to commit to his next film and will not be moving forward with Footloose as previously reported,” Paramount Pictures said in a statement.

The film will star Chace Crawford and Julianne Hough, and is still planned to begin production in March.

Zac Efron Considered for Risky Role

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 16 Aug 2009 01:31:03 +0000

Perez Hilton reports High School Musical’s Zac Efron may be given the lead in an upcoming film based on the novel Spin by Robert Rave.

Hilton describes the film as “like Devil Wears Prada, only with sex, drugs, and a homoerotic bathroom scene with Efron’s character.”

The role Efron, 21, is being considered for is that of Taylor Green, “a recent college graduate from the Midwest who works for one of New York City’s most wretched publicists.”

Zac Efron, Kristen Stewart Among Most Beautiful People

Ilan Mester — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:55:15 +0000

Christina Applegate graces the cover of this year’s “People’s Most Beautiful” issue, but many teen idols are featured in the magazine as well.

“Twilight’s” Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart have both made People’s annual 100 Most Beautiful List. “I don’t get it. It’s funny, you look the same for years, and no one ever mentions it. Then suddenly it’s a big deal,” Pattinson tells People.

Other young stars such as “Gossip Girl’s” Taylor Momsen, brothers Nick and Joe Jonas and “17 Again” star Zac Efron have also made the list.

Efron revealed to People his secret to staying fit. “Backpacking, hiking, surfing, swimming, playing tennis — things that get you active and are also fun.”

And the list of teen stars doesn’t end there. “Camp Rock’s” Demi Lovato and fellow Disney star Selena Gomez have also made the list.

Taylor Swift (who also made it on People’s list) told the magazine it’s important to look natural. “It’s important to be comfortable with who you are and go natural once in a while”.

Rant ‘N Rave: Disney Channel Stars

Irene Ogrodnik — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 01:46:32 +0000

Back in the day, the word “Disney” brought thoughts of fairy godmothers, evil stepsisters and happily ever afters into our minds. The Disney stars that most of us looked up to were Cinderella, Pocahontas and, of course, Mickey Mouse (although now I’m not sure why).

But nowadays, all that has changed. When most children and teenagers hear the word “Disney,” they tend to think of the famous actors whose careers were launched on the television network, the Disney Channel.

Due to shows like ‘Hannah Montana’ or the Disney Channel Original Movie ‘High School Musical,’ it is now virtually impossible to ignore any gossip associated with Disney’s princess Miley Cyrus or Brangelina wannabes Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.

With plenty of shame, I will admit that even I watch some of these shows on a somewhat regular basis (I fully blame my boyfriend’s younger nieces for my sudden semi-addiction to shows like ‘Wizards of Waverly Place’ and ‘Sonny With a Chance’).

But while some Disney Channel stars have what it takes to establish a lifelong successful career outside of the Disney franchise, others, frankly, do not.

And so, here is a short homage to certain Disney Channel actors who, for some reason or another, will stay here for some years to come:

The “Creepy” Disney Channel Star:

Kevin Jonas: As the eldest brother of the overrated Jonas Brothers music group, Kevin takes the cake for the creepiest member. I’m not quite sure if it’s his awkwardness on the television screen that freaks me out (remember his role in ‘Camp Rock’?) or the fact that he looks like he’s about to turn thirty instead of twenty-two. Either way, this Jonas bro, along with Joe and Nick, needs to stop polluting the music and television biz before I start having Kevin/Bogeyman-like nightmares.

The “Heartthrob” Disney Channel Star:

Zac Efron: When it comes to this ‘High School Musical’ actor, I can see why teenagers and yes, even adults, adore this young man. Sure the earwax situation was a bit…gross but Zac is still cute and charming, even if his ears are filthy. When Q-Tips aren’t thrown in his face, Zac proves he can sing, dance and act in roles like ‘Hairspray,’ and ‘Summerland.’ On top of that, his gorgeous and talented co-star/girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens also proves that this young guy is worth having around.

The “Triple Threat” Disney Channel Star:

Ashley Tisdale: Actress, singer, songwriter Ashley Tisdale demonstrates she has what it takes to make it in the showbiz for years to come. From her role as Maddie on ‘The Suite Life of Zack & Cody’ to her performance as Sharpay in the High School Musical movie franchise, Ashley knows she will always stay in the spotlight. Her passion, personality and dedication to her work will make this star last years longer in Hollywood than most of the other actors on the Disney Channel network.

The “One to Steal the Spotlight” Disney Channel Star:

Brenda Song: If you ever watched an episode of ‘The Suite Life with Zack & Cody’ you should realize that show is watchable because of one character: London Tipton. Brenda plays the ditzy spoiled hotel heiress London (yup, an allusion to Paris Hilton) and, if I could say so myself, she does quite an excellent job doing so. Unfortunately, this 21-year-old has yet to truly make it big in Hollywood. Blame it on the Jonas Brothers.

The “Underrated” Disney Channel Star:

Selena Gomez: From all of the actors who found fame on the Disney Channel, Selena, in my opinion, has the most natural acting ability. When you watch her as Alex Russo on ‘The Wizards of Waverly Place’ it’s hard to believe this young starlet is only sixteen. Currently, Selena is better known for her YouTube videos with best friend/other Disney Channel star Demi Lovato. After the two girls posted a clip back in 2008, Miley Cyrus and her friend Mandy uploaded a parody video of Selena and Demi—fuelling rumours the girls were feuding (however, according to their constant Twitter posts to one another, the girls actually seems like “the best of friends!”).

Either way, Selena has everything that Miley lacks. Maturity, self-control and, oh yeah, a good-girl image.

The “Overrated” Disney Channel Star:

Miley Cyrus: Just like with Kevin Jonas and the creepy thing, Miley Cyrus is her own competitor in this category. Even though I can see the allure in ‘Hannah Montana,’ it does not excuse the fact that Miley is a poor role model. By sixteen, Miley appeared in more provocative poses and eyebrow raising behaviour than plenty of other actors who are in their mid twenties. From a girl who apparently comes from a “wholesome family” she needs a bit more control. Miley is well on the path of becoming the next Britney Spears (the mentally unstable one). Just because Miley brings in the money, she’s still relatively a child and needs to be treated and act like one.

17 Again Wins Over Audience

Joelle Tomlinson — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 02:00:56 +0000

Fueled by a hefty dose of tweener love, Zac Efron’s 17 Again won this weekend’s box office sweepstakes without breaking a sweat. The high school time-warp comedy, which costars Matthew Perry and Leslie Mann, earned $24.1 million, according to studio estimates from the box office tracking firm Nielsen EDI.

According to ew.com, the film’s haul marked another No. 1 debut for Efron, who helped boost ticket sales with an appearance this weekend on Saturday Night Live. In 2007, the musical Hairspray, which co-starred Efron, opened first at $27.5 million. Last year, Efron’s High School Musical 3: Senior Year bowed with $42 million, and while 17 Again may have fallen short of that mark, it still represents an auspicious maiden voyage for Efron’s post-Disney career. Despite the raft of critics who pooh-poohed the film, which received a 61% fresh rating on Rottentomatoes.com, audiences were more favorably inclined, giving it a strong A- CinemaScore.

Movie Review: 17 Again

Ilan Mester — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 04:00:37 +0000

Tween girls will be happy to know “17 Again” kicks off with a shirtless Zac Efron. But their parents will be even happier to know it’s a movie the entire family can enjoy — for different reasons.

The premise is quite easy to like and even easier to follow. Mike O’Donnell (played by Matthew Perry as an adult and Zac Efron as a teen) had everything going for him as a highschooler in 1989: cool-status, mad basketball skills, a hot girlfriend and a promising sports scholarship. But instead of going with the game, O’Donnell marries his high school sweetheart and twenty years later ends up with a dysfunctional family, a marriage held by a loose thread and a lame job.

To top things off, O’Donnell is now separated from his wife Scarlett (played by Leslie Mann), and living with his extremely nerdy friend Ned Gold (Thomas Lennon) in a house filled with “Star Wars” memorabilia. Things couldn’t possibly get any worse. O’Donnell questions whether he made the right choices in high school and wishes he could somehow make it right.

Sounds cheesy (or like a repeat of ‘Freaky Friday’)? I thought so too — but that was before I had actually seen the film. “17 Again” turned out to be a nice blend of pop culture teen-movie with legitimate doses of emotional moments. In fact, you can be 17 and relate to this movie or 47 and still find ways to connect because let’s face it, most of us remember vividly (or at least think we do) the “good old high school days.”

But when a janitor transforms 37-year-old O’Donnell back into his 17-year-old self (kind of random), there’s a catch: he doesn’t go back in time. Instead, O’Donnell finds himself going back to high school with his kids, and that’s where most of the comedy comes from.

Efron actually does a convincing job of being a middle-aged man stuck in a pubescent body. It’s a pretty smart transition movie for the “High School Musical” actor because he still gets to play the high school heartthrob, only now he has adult dilemmas, which is refreshing.

Once he turns 17, O’Donnell’s relationships with son Alex (Sterling Knight) and daughter Maggie (Gossip Girl’s Michelle Trachtenberg) becomes very entertaining and heartfelt at the same time. There’s just something really funny about seeing Zac Efron promoting abstinence and lecturing high school girls about not being sluts. Still, you can sense that behind the beardless face and Converse shoes, there’s a middle age man who worries about his “little girl” and wants his son to be a hit with the ladies and a pro at basketball.

And I feel weird saying this, but Efron actually shares a great deal of chemistry with Mann, who plays O’Donnell’s wife, and is 15 years Efron’s senior in real life. Of course, there’s almost no action between the two of them, but the pair share funny scenes and multiple movie-magic moments.

At times O’Donnell’s best friend Ned (who pretends to be his dad when he turns into a teenager) steals the scene with his geekyness. He makes the word awkward look like an understatement. Little side note, Ned can speak fluent Quenya (the official language for the elves in ‘Lord of the Rings’) and at one point shares a battle scene with O’Donnell using fake lightsabers.

Clearly this movie won’t win any of its stars an Oscar, but there’s definitely something in it for everyone. Perry probably taught Efron a thing or two about comedic timing because the movie is filled with giggle-worthy moments. And I think it’s not just teen girls that will be saying “aww” by the time the film is over.

So even if you’re not part of the YouTube generation that spreads the word through cell phone videos, or have no idea who K-Fed is “17 Again” can still strike a chord with you.

‘HSM 3′ Wins Big At Kids’ Choice Awards

Eva Lam — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 03:34:37 +0000

“High School Musical 3: Senior Year” took home top prizes at the slime-filled Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards in Los Angeles Saturday.

The Disney musical was voted favourite movie, while star Vanessa Hudgens was named favourite movie actress at the 22nd annual awards, which took place inside UCLA’s Pauley Pavilion.

Hudgens’ co-star Zac Efron thanked the fans as he accepted the movie’s trophy. “Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical,” he said. “The truth is we’ve known who’s been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!”

Among the other winners, who were decided by viewer votes on the Nickelodeon website, were Will Smith for movie actor, “Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa” for animated movie, “iCarly” for TV show and “American Idol” for reality show.

“Twilight” series was named favourite book, while in the music categories, Miley Cyrus took home the prize for favourite female singer and Jesse McCartney won for favourite male singer.

Leonardo DiCaprio was also on hand to accept the first-ever Big Green Help Award from his “Gangs of New York” co-star Cameron Diaz. The award recognized the “Revolutionary Road” actor’s work in increasing awareness of environmental issues.

The ceremony, hosted by “Race to Witch Mountain” star Dwayne Johnson, featured various slime-related hijinks in keeping with Kids’ Choice tradition. Johnson sprayed the first row of audience members with green goop in the show’s opening minutes, while a briefcase poured green slime on presenters Sandra Bullock and Hugh Jackman later on that night.

Zac Efron Reportedly Leaves ‘Footloose’ Remake

Talia Ricci — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 14:12:54 +0000

The High School Musical star has dropped out of the Footloose remake, TheWrap.com reports. The website reports that he dropped out to pursue other opportunities. “Efron told the studio last week that he did not want to do another musical at this point in his career,” a senior member of the production team told the site. The source added that Efron had script approval and used a loophole to get out of his contract. “People had been working on this project since last July,” the source said.

“We were all shocked.” Efron seems to desire more serious roles. His latest film is “Me and Orson Welles,” is set for release sometime this year and is considered a more mature role for the actor.

Young Hollywood At The Oscars

Ilan Mester — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:33:56 +0000

Rumours have been flying everywhere that Disney stars like Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Miley Cyrus and “Twilight” actor Robert Pattinson will make appearances during the Academy Awards on Sunday February 22.

“High School Musical” star Zac Efron and his girlfriend and “High School Musical” co-star Vanessa Hudgens are rumoured to be presenting the award for Best Original Song according to E! Online.

On Monday, rumours started about “Twilight’s” Robert Pattinson and if he would present an award. However, there has been no confirmation of this, or if co-star Kristen Stewart will present the award with Pattinson.

Last year, “Hannah Montana” star Miley Cyrus made an appearance at the Academy Awards, and although there has been no confirmation if Cyrus is scheduled to take the stage, it has been reported by E! Online that she will be at the Oscars in support of the animated flick “Bolt,” which is nominated under the Animated Feature category.

The Prerogative- Robert Pattinson vs. Zac Efron

andPOP Staff — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:01 +0000

There will be a day I stop blogging about the teen celeb scene and young Hollywood in general. But today is not that day.

The world of Young Hollywood is just more interesting these days. It seems like no one cares if Gwyneth’s cheating on Chris Martin. Or if Madonna’s doing god-knows-what with A-Rod. They care about Joe Jonas and Taylor Swift’s war of words. They care about Miley Cyrus and her 20-year-old boyfriend. And they definitely care about High School Musical and Twilght.

Okay. So there’s like a straight up battle going on for the title of Mr. Teen Heartthrob. The two contenders: High School Musical’s Zachary David Efron and Twilight’s Robert Thomas Pattinson.

Efron’s the reigning Heartthrob Champion, if you will, and his opponent – Pattinson – is the new kid on the block, armed with lots of hype, messy hair and a sexy accent.

It’s no secret where my allegiance lies. I have seen all three High School Musical movies numerous times after all. But my boyfriend Zac better watch his back. Accents are lethal. And the attention span of tween girls is short. Very short. The screams reserved for High School Musical 3 have been replaced with the deafening shrieks that accompany the Twilight cast wherever they go.

The movie isn’t even out yet and everyone knows Pattinson’s name. His face is everywhere. A seven year-old fangirl even asked him to bite her neck. Granted, Pattinson’s got luck working in his favour. The Twilight books already had a massive following and his character, Edward the vampire, was already the object of many teens’ fantasies. He barely had to work for it.

This – according to the gossip pundits – has got Zac feeling a little threatened and a tad bit jealous. Zac’s been touring around the world promoting his Disney franchise while Robert’s been here, right in the thick of things, stealing the hearts and screams of Efron’s beloved fan base.

Pattinson’s got the buzz on his side at the moment. He’s been named one of the ten breakout stars of the year by Entertainment Weekly and, well, it’s safe to say Twilght’s opening this weekend will see big box-office numbers. Kids are probably already lined up outside theatres. In the snow. Clutching their tattered, over-read copies of the Twilight series. Dreaming of Edward and Bella. That is how crazy Twilight fans are. Zachary should be worried.

But not too worried. Because, and I may be biased, but I contest that Zac Efron is still Mr. Teen Heartthrob, that his future will be brighter and his career more substantial.

Yes, vampires are a lot edgier and sexier than singing basketball players but Zac already knows how to work the machine. He’s got two movies in the can to be released early next year. The first one, “Seventeen Again”, co-starring Matthew Perry, will have the tweens eating out of his hands again. The second, a drama called “Me and Orsen Welles” with Claire Danes, will showcase his range and talent as an actor- not just a pretty face.

Zac is already using the high-power celebrity couple angle to his benefit. The teens are obsessed with his relationship with girlfriend and co-star Vanessa Hudgens. Though Pattinson has alluded to a real-life crush on Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart, there is nothing substantial there. Paparazzi shots of Zanessa frolicking on a Hawaiian beach send the kids into a frenzy. Awkward sexual tension between Pattinson and Stewart during interviews will not suffice.

Efron was just named one of People’s Sexiest Men Alive. He was honoured at GQ’s Men of the Year Party and he’s got some major movies in the works- like a remake of Footloose (which I predict will either make or break his career). Pattinson has just barely made it onto the pages of J-14.

The head start will work in Zac’s favour. And so will his hair. The messy rocker look will only get you so far Robert. The tweens love man-bangs. Efron’s got that down.

And so, in conclusion: Zac Efron totally trumps Robert Pattinson.