Say what you want about Zac Efron, but the former High School Musical star is drastically reinventing himself in Hollywood and becoming a bonafide leading man in the process. Since his days of being nothing more than a pretty face, the actor has gone on to give some impressive performances in films like Neighbors and its equally enjoyable sequel, among other titles, and this month he’s got the highly anticipated Baywatch reboot releasing.
But, after much R-rated humor and shenanigans, it looks like Efron is finally ready to try his hand at something a bit darker and more sinister, as he’s just signed on for Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Joe Berlinger’s psychological thriller about serial killer Ted Bundy. Based on the Black List script from Michael Werwie, Voltage is behind the financing and international sales while CAA and UTA are representing the domestic rights, reports Deadline.
“I have been trying to work with Zac Efron for a long time,” said Voltage’s Nicolas Chartier. “From his dramatic turn in Paperboy to his hilarious performance in Neighbors, he continues to impress audiences and critics alike with his extraordinary versatility and range.”
There’s no word yet on what parts of Bundy’s life the film will specifically focus on, but Chariter went on to describe the project as being in the vein of Nightcrawler and The Jinx, which certainly sounds promising.
“Zac is perfect casting, as he can play both the depth and the charm that this guy had in equal measures, and which allowed him to manipulate these women in such a terrifying way. We think in the vein of Nightcrawler or even The Jinx, we are making a psychological thriller that will resonate deeply with audiences.”
From what we understand, there will also be a meaty female role in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, as the story will actually be told through the perspective of Bundy’s longtime girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer – who eventually turned him into the police. No word yet on who may be brought on to star alongside Efron, but with the Baywatch actor’s profile at an all-time high right now, you can bet the producers will be able to rope in a big name.
We’ll be bringing you more on Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile as it nears its production start date this fall, but in the meantime, tell us, are you excited to see Zac Efron shifting gears here to play Ted Bundy? Let us know in the usual place.
