How Zac Efron's ripped and sexy 'Baywatch' image helped him break free from his identity as Troy Bolton
Actor Zac Efron has appeared in many films in his two-decade-long career but the two movies that catapulted him to Hollywood stardom were 'High School Musical' and 'Baywatch'. Efron first made his breakthrough and became an overnight heartthrob after essaying the role of Troy Bolton in the hit 2006 Disney movie, 'High School Musical'. His character, Troy Bolton, the famous basketball player in school who breaks the norms of society by entering into the drama club, made everyone believe that they needed a person like Troy in their life.
With Disney bringing out different parts of the movie, viewers got a chance to see Efron as Troy more than ever before. At the same time, it also allowed people to see the romantic side of him as his love story with Gabriella Montez, played by Vanessa Hudges, made girls fall in love with him even more.
While 'High School Musical' came to an end, one thing that Efron struggled with was saying goodbye to his character of Troy. Efron as Troy had made a special place for himself in everyone's heart and viewers did not want to let go of that memory. In fact, they were eagerly waiting to see the reunion of Troy and Gabriella. While viewers had their fingers crossed, one thing that became clear was how Efron did not want to go back to his old days.
Many saw some of the cast members reuniting as Disney celebrated 10 years of the movie but one person missing from the picture was Efron. On a number of occasions, he has also tried to dismiss the discussion which involved the talk of 'High School Musical' reunions while suggesting that he wanted to forget his role as Troy. Amid this, when Efron was offered the role in 'Baywatch', there is no doubt that it was a big jump from his role as Troy.
Even though Efron had done different roles after the hit Disney movie, this new venture was going to be different as it was soon going to paint Efron as a sex symbol. When 'Baywatch' first released, the movie gained a lot of attention for having its attractive quotient as a priority. So, it did not come as a surprise when the cast consisted of people who would fit into the description.
That being said, Efron had to work really hard to get into shape for the movie. There is no doubt when the first glimpse of the movie appeared, his transformation left everyone surprised as it was a drastic change that people had seen. No doubt, it took the image of Troy out of people's minds as his character in 'Baywatch' was unlike Troy, who had the persona of a famous basketball player and high school heartthrob. In 'Baywatch', Efron played the role of Matt Brody, a lifeguard with killer looks and ripped physique.
It is quite possible that Efron might have taken the role in order to bid a goodbye to his role as Troy forever and what better way than to star in a movie like 'Baywatch'? We have previously seen Miley Cyrus also pursuing a similar route as she transformed from her adorable and innocent image as Hannah Montana in the hit Disney show to a crazy-twerking, sex symbol.
Knowing how Disney is often used as synonyms for heartfelt children movies and shows, 'Baywatch' was a big leap that helped Efron create a new impression on his fans.