Zac Efron Interview
Zac Efron has already graduated to a feature film career with roles in 'Hairspray' and next year's 'Me and Orson Welles,' but he's heading back to class with 'High School Musical 3: Senior Year.'
The good news is that 'HSM' has grown up as well, with the third installment headed to a movie theater near you (opens Oct. 24). Moviefone dropped by the set in St. Lake City, Utah, and talked to Zac about whether he showers daily, his "extremely physical" dance with Corbin Bleu and why he usually lets Vanessa Hudgens take the lead. --Liane Bonin
Ferdaus Shamim, WireImage
1. Since this is probably the last one for you "seniors," what is the feel like on the 'High School Musical 3' set?
Yesterday, we shot the final scene of the movie. And afterwards, I was surprised at how emotional even I got. It was crazy thinking how we grew up together, all of us, in a lot of different ways. And this really feels like the final chapter. I think a few of the girls got pretty emotional.
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2. But not you or Corbin Bleu?
No [laughs]. We tried to be tough.
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3. It seems like the dancing routines are more rigorous this time around.
I showed up to rehearsals a few weeks late because I was working on a different project, and it was the worst mistake of my life, because I was kind of just thrown into a number of dances that were extremely difficult. I was a little bit intimidated, but after a few weeks of rehearsals, we got it down. It was tough. There were a lot of hot tubs.
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4. What was intimidating about the song-and-dance numbers?
'Boys Are Back' is a new number with just me and Corbin, which feels great for this movie because we have never done anything like it before. It was extremely physical. I had to move in ways I could never imagine. Then, I have a waltz with Vanessa. I can't imagine when people did that for fun, because it's so hard. It's hard for me to dance on my own, and then in a waltz you have to kind of guide the girl. It's funny, but I feel Vanessa leading me a lot more than I lead her.
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Steve C. Wilson, AP
5. How is Troy's reunion with Gabriella, anyway?
Man, I dunno. That's a tough question. I'm not sure. I don't want to ruin anything.
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6. How are the paparazzi in Utah?
This is the closest I've had to a vacation since filming [the first one]. The paparazzi have been nonexistent. If we want to go out and get dinner we usually aren't bothered. It's great. It's really cool. I'm really excited by that.
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7. So you've been living it up, then?
This time is different. We're not minors anymore so we can work longer hours [laughs]. We haven't had much time off to do anything. I know that's disappointing for you, because that's where all the good stuff comes from.
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8. Have you read any crazy rumors about what is going down on set?
I just got a funny one from my dad this morning. I assure you I showered this morning. Minutes before I got here. And I do it every day. Sometimes twice. So, that's kind of funny. But my dad was kind of like razzing me for it. So, I can't help but laugh.
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9. Did filming 'High School Musical 3' feel like a real graduation in a sense?
Yeah, it did, overwhelmingly so. There is no describing how many good times we've had filming these movies. They've literally been a dream come true. So, the idea this could very well be the last time makes you kind of emotional. Here comes adulthood! You just wonder if it ever is going to be as fun.
Related Links
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Reader Comments (11)
HUSKERDIVA at 4:36PM on Oct 24th 2008
OK...he can't act...He's no DeCaprio...what else can I say other than...WHO CARES?
jvarro at 7:44PM on Oct 24th 2008
The one you ought to talk about his Enrique Iglesias...It's well known in Mexico that he hardly ever showers, smells like a "rat"...This is no joke...Ask him...
dan at 7:59PM on Oct 24th 2008
the guy is a terrible actor,looks like a gay little femmmy puke
adehleilayne2009 at 8:40PM on Oct 24th 2008
I really like Zac Efron. He has talent as an actor, may not be as good as some other guys out there, but he can improve on it. He is also a good singerr too :)
&& is extremely hottt
chriskulbeda at 9:54PM on Oct 24th 2008
Okay you jackasses. Stop with the gay-themed homophobic crap. Okay... you don't like him, we get the point. Or... is your own sexuality peaking through?!
d. caldwell at 11:00PM on Oct 24th 2008
who cares??? have you seen the still ravaged city of new orleans? has anyone bothered to check on the people of darfur? ever think about all those orphened children in brazil? give the dude a can of deodorant so you can focus on the real issues of the day.
yaaah69 at 10:03AM on Oct 25th 2008
Gay smay , what diff. he crys all the way to thebank.. d. caldwell you are right on...
Nic at 1:46PM on Nov 19th 2008
I love Zac Efron. He is a really gd actor and singer. He will improve on some parts of acting and singing but he will get there. I know he will. Its been my dream to meet him and get to know him. But i know that will never happen. :(
His future looks bright to me!!
sofia at 11:23AM on Dec 14th 2008
ZAC EFRON I LOVE U!
HE'S A GOOD ACToR AND SINGER!
sofia at 11:23AM on Dec 14th 2008
I LOVE U ZAC
soulja at 9:00PM on Dec 14th 2008
Zac Efron is a total hotty i loved the movie haispray i think his future is also bright and vanessa's not in it.