Zac Efron goes dark: From musicals to serial killer Ted Bundy

Zac Efron is making the rounds at the Sundance to promote his latest film, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Recently, he talked to Deadline and IMDb to discuss what compelled him to star as America’s most famous serial killer.

Zac Efron has gone from being a teenage pin-up heartthrob to a versatile actor who is ready and willing to take on challenges. His latest is portraying America’s most famous serial killer, Ted Bundy.

I won’t lie. When I first heard that Efron was cast as Bundy in Joe Berlinger’s biopic on the psychopath I had my doubts. However, after seeing the trailer and watching the actor’s commitment to the character on screen, I have changed my mind.

He definitely has the chops to undertake this type of role and this is the right time for him to do it. Let’s face it. If I am being honest, it is easy to underestimate someone like Efron who after all, is well-known for musicals and comedic roles.

Does the guy that starred opposite Robert De Niro in Dirty Grandpa really have what it takes to go dark and dangerous? In a recent interview with Deadline, Efron explains what his motivations were for agreeing to go against type and play an infamous murderer.

"“You go through life and you meet certain people, that leave a lasting impression. I definitely met somebody over the course of my life and they are the reason I think I wanted to play Ted. I know there are crazy people out there and it’s kind of fun to get to be one for a little while. I get to be one 60% of the time.”"

What makes this particular incarnation of the Bundy saga different in comparison to the 1986 television movie, The Deliberate Stranger starring Mark Harmon, is that the story is told through the eyes of the killer’s longtime companion, Liz (Lily Collins). Usually, audiences only get to see things from the perspective of the criminal.

That is what happens in movies like Dahmer with Jeremy Renner and the brilliant mini-series, To Catch a Killer starring Brian Dennehy as John Wayne Gacy. For Zac Efron, the idea of the script being flipped is what captured his attention.

The entire notion of thinking you know someone when you really don’t was intriguing. Here is what the actor told IMDb:

"“Everyone has been in a situation where they are like Liz (Lily Collins). They feel like they know somebody but they don’t entirely. Every once in a while, you meet somebody that does it so well that you are blown away that you didn’t know how that person was.”"

As of yet, there is no U.S. theatrical release date for Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile. Since it premiered at Sundance two days ago, more than likely one will be announced soon. Stay tuned!

Do you think Zac Efron was a good choice to play Ted Bundy? Let us know what you think in the section below. We want to hear from you.