Zac Efron will play serial killer Ted Bundy in upcoming movie Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile.
The 29-year-old actor has signed on to portray the notorious psychopath in an independent drama to be directed by Joe Berlinger, according to Variety.
Based on a script from Michael Werwie, the movie will be produced by Nicolas Chartier and Ara Keshishian for Voltage alongside Michael Costigan of Cota Films.
Speaking about the casting, Chartier shared that he is certain Efron will give a memorable performance.
“I have been trying to work with Zac Efron for a long time,” he told the publication. “From his dramatic turn in (2012 film) The Paperboy to his hilarious performance in Neighbors, he continues to impress audiences and critics alike with his extraordinary versatility and range. We couldn’t be more excited to see him in this amazing role.”
No other casting details have been revealed, however, it is believed that the movie’s script is taken from the perspective of Elizabeth Kloepfer, Bundy’s longtime girlfriend who ended up turning him into the police. Bundy was regarded by many of his young female victims as handsome and charismatic, traits that he exploited to win their trust. Shortly before his execution in 1989 – after more than a decade of denials – he confessed to 30 homicides committed in seven states across the U.S. between 1974 and 1978, though the true victim count remains unknown, and could be much higher.
The role will mark a career departure for Efron, who rose to prominence in the late 2000s for his leading role in the High School Musical franchise. He will next be seen in the Baywatch reboot opposite Dwayne Johnson, and also has a role in The Greatest Showman with Hugh Jackman and Michelle Williams.
Filming on Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is slated to begin in October (17).
