By and large, Zac Efron has really focused on making people laugh in his roles on the big screen. Outside of his recent feature film, “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil And Vile,” where he played a serial killer, most people know Efron for films such as “Neighbors,” “Baywatch,” and even “The Beach Bum.” But it appears that he’s going to venture further into the realm of drama, going all the way into horror for an upcoming project, a remake of the film “Firestarter.”
READ MORE: Zac Efron To Star In ‘Three Men And A Baby’ Remake For Disney+
According to Deadline, Efron has signed on to star in the upcoming remake of “Firestarter” from Universal and Blumhouse. The original film is based on a Stephen King novel and tells the story of a young girl with the ability to control fire with her mind. She is then the subject of an intense manhunt as the government hopes to gain control of the child and her ability. Obviously, Efron isn’t going to play the role of the young girl, but it’s unclear what role he’ll have in the horror remake.
The new version of “Firestarter” is set to be directed by Keith Thomas, based on a script by Scott Teems (“Halloween Kills”). Thomas is an up-and-coming filmmaker who has one feature under his belt, 2019’s “The Vigil.” This is yet another example of Blumhouse taking young filmmakers and giving them opportunities with horror features. It’s a trend that we’ve seen before and has paid off pretty well for the production company.
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It’s unclear when production might begin on “Firestarter.” Blumhouse has a history of quick, low-budget productions, so it could be an instance where Efron is able to squeeze in this feature while he prepares for something else. In addition to “Firestarter,” the actor also recently signed on to star in another remake, the Disney+ film “Three Men and a Baby.”
If you’re interested in the 1984 original “Firestarter,” starring a young Drew Barrymore, you can watch the trailer below: