The lateFriendsstarMatthew Perrywanted17 AgainstarZac Efronto play him in a biopic of his life, it has been revealed. Perry, who sadly passed away last month, had plans to make a movie about his life, his acting success, and his struggles with addiction. Speaking recently withET, Perry’s friend Athenna Crosby, who was photographed having lunch with the Friends star the day before his death, offered details of his plan to work with Efron again on a possible biopic.
“He said that he wanted to make a movie about his life. And he had worked with Zac Efron in the past on a movie, and he said that he wanted Zac Efron to play him as a younger version [of himself] and that he was gonna ask him soon to do that. 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, so he was so optimistic and happy about everything that he wanted to do.”
According to Crosby, Perry had been “looking forward to sharing more about his story and his recovery from addiction,” with the actor having plans for the future of his career. Tragically, these never came to be, with Perry passing away on October 28 after being found unresponsive at his home in Pacific Palisades.
Perry’s intention to askZac Efronto portray him in a biopic makes a lot of sense, with theBaywatchstar having played a younger version of Perry’s character in the 2009 teen fantasy17 Again. Beginning with Perry as a 37-year-old man named Mike,17 Againsees him undergo a reverse-Big when he becomes his 17-year-old self (played by Efron) after a chance accident.
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After the death of Matthew Perry, an excerpt from his memoir resurfaced detailing David Schwimmer’s generosity with the rest of the cast of Friends.
Zac Efron Recently Passed on a Rom-Com Written by Matthew Perry
While we may never know whether Efron would have taken the part of playing Matthew Perry in a biopic, theHigh School Musicalstar did pass on a rom-com written by the Friends star. Discussing the project last year, Perry revealed that he had written the part from himself but, after realizing he was too old, offered it to Efron.
“Well, it was Zac Efron. But he said no. So, we’ve got to find someone who says yes.”
The reason for Efron passing on the rom-com could of course be due to his change in career direction, with the actor next due to star in the upcoming biographical sports from A24,The Iron Claw.
Since his death, tributes for Matthew Perry have been pouring in, with hisFriendsco-stars Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, and David Schwimmerreleasing a joint statement.
“We are all so utterly devastated by the loss of Matthew. We were more than just cast mates. We are a family. There is so much to say, but right now we’re going to take a moment to grieve and process this unfathomable loss.”
“In time we will say more, as and when we are able,” the statement continues. “For now, our thoughts and our love are with Matty’s family, his friends, and everyone who loved him around the world.”
