Matthew Perry wanted Zac Efron, with whom he had shared the screen in the film “17 Again” in 2009, to play a younger version of himself.
Following the tragic death of Matthew Perry on October 28, it has been revealed that the beloved actor had been working on a very personal project: a biopic about his own life. In addition, Perry already had in mind the star he wanted to play him on the big screen.
Matthew Perry, who died at age 54 in circumstances that appear to relate to an accident in his hot tub, had shared the exciting vision of him with his friend Athenna Crosby. In a conversation held the day before his tragic departure, Perry confided in Crosby that he intended to bring his life to the big screen and that he had cast actor Zac Efron to play a younger version of him. himself in the film.
Crosby, 25, revealed these details to “Entertainment Tonight,” stating that Perry was excited to share his story of overcoming addiction and fully intended to use his experience to advocate for rehabilitation and support for people. in similar situations.
Why did he choose Zac Efron?
The choice of Zac Efron to play young Matthew Perry had a precedent, since both actors had worked together in the 2009 film “17 Again.” In this body swap comedy, Perry and Efron embodied different stages of the life of the same character, which would undoubtedly have been an interesting resource for the biographical film.
Crosby, a well-known model, gained media attention after it was reported that she had shared lunch with Perry at the Bel-Air Hotel the day before her tragic death. In Crosby's words, Perry was in good spirits during her lunch and shared her optimism about the future, highlighting her desire to have a “second act” in her professional career. This took on particular importance, as in his 2022 published memoir, Perry had shared his lifelong struggle with substance abuse and his intention to become an advocate for recovery.
