Zac Efron Leaves ‘Footloose’ Remake

Published by Jeff Leins on March 25, 2009

Zac Efron has pulled out of the lead role in a remake of Footloose planned at Paramount.

Since the announcement in July 2007, the High School Musical star has decided he probably should diversify his resume so he’s not typecast as the “singing dancing kid” in any movie that has the role.

Paramount apparently still wants to continue even though Efron has kicked off his Sunday shoes.  They released this statement:
“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 Kenny Ortega (director), Neil Meron and Craig Zaden (producers), who will reinvigorate the franchise. Their fresh take on the film will undoubtedly be filled with the same kind of breakout performances that we’ve come to expect from them.”

If they can’t find another effeminate kid, why remake it?  Does the Baptist community need another twinkle-toed teen ruining their old-fashioned ways?  I hope they bring back Kevin Bacon.  No one can replace him.

Meanwhile, Efron is working on one of those non-musical roles he cared so much about.  According to Variety Efron is in negotiations to headline a film adaptation of the book “The Death and Life of Charlie St. Cloud.”  Zac would play a young man who works in a cemetery and talks to his deceased younger brother.  Sounds interesting, only it needs more singing if Efron is going to pull it off.