Matthew Perry biopic: Everything we know about the film Zac Efron turned down
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Matthew Perry, the beloved 'Friends' star, had a dream of bringing his life story to the silver screen in a biopic, which tragically never came to fruition.
Before his sudden death, he had carefully considered the perfect actor to portray his younger self in the film, and it was none other than Zac Efron. The choice and other casting decisions provide a glimpse into what could have been a remarkable project, as per Daily Mail.
Matthew Perry wanted Zac Efron to play his younger self in his biopic
When it came to his biopic, Matthew Perry wanted Zac Efron for the role, as the 'High School Musical' star had done a wonderful job at portraying a younger version of the 'Friends' actor in the 2009 film '17 Again'.
In a candid moment on SiriusXM, Perry revealed about approaching Efron, saying, "Well, it was Zac Efron. But he said no. So, we've got to find someone who says yes."
Perry's friend, Athenna Crosby, reiterated his desire for Efron to take on the role and divulged how the 'Fools Rush In' actor was enthusiastic about sharing his journey of recovery from addiction, eager to champion the cause and help others.
Matthew Perry's wanted Aubrey Plaza as the female lead in his biopic
In the SiriusXM interview, Matthew Perry also disclosed that Aubrey Plaza, known for her role in 'The White Lotus', was close to taking on the position of the female lead.
"And that would have been perfect because I think she's great. There's some dramatic stuff in this too. She came very close, and it would have been perfect," said the 'Friends' actor.
Despite his supposed casting considerations, there has been no official confirmation regarding the status of Perry's biopic. Unfortunately, his untimely death has cast a shadow over the project, leaving its future uncertain.
Matthew Perry's untimely death at the age of 54
Tragically, Matthew Perry passed away at the age of 54 on October 28. His life ended in a shocking accident when he died of an apparent drowning in the jacuzzi of his home.
The actor was found unresponsive in the hot tub of his Los Angeles residence following a day that included playing Pickleball, a sport similar to tennis but played on a smaller court.
Perry's iconic role as Chandler Bing in 'Friends' endeared him to fans across the globe. The series, which aired from 1994 to 2004, remains a beloved classic, and reruns continue to captivate audiences.
While the actor's death raised questions, given his long battle with substance abuse, initial toxicology reports did not reveal common narcotics in his system. However, more comprehensive testing is underway to determine if any prescription medications were involved.
In the wake of his untimely passing, Jennifer Aniston and the rest of the 'Friends' cast, including Courteney Cox, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer, and Lisa Kudrow, issued a joint statement expressing their profound sadness.
They described themselves not just as castmates but as a family, mourning the loss of their dear friend and colleague.