Pirates Rumor Mill: Is Zac Efron Boarding the Black Pearl?
Filed under: Action, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Casting, Disney, RumorMonger, Remakes and Sequels
The latest rumor hitting the high seas -- MTV UK reports that Zac Efron has signed on to star in Pirates of the Caribbean 4, for the prime sum of 6 million pounds -- a deal that would also glue him to another HSM sequel. But rumor control is already in the works. MTV, stateside, reports that this all came from The National Enquirer, and that there's no truth to the story. They talked to Efron, who says the rumors aren't true, although he'd definitely be interested. Gee, ya think?Whoever cooked up this rumor at least thought it out -- Zac might not be interested in more HSM, but I bet he'd agree to more for the chance to star in a huge Disney feature that reaches beyond the teen girls and allows him to act alongside Depp. And from the studio's side, Sparrow's last male rival couldn't hold a torch to Johnny, so I wouldn't be surprised if Disney did it again.
Orlando Bloom might have been one heck of a Legolas, but I just hated him in Pirates. His charisma, or lack thereof, was no match for Depp, and to give Johnny another star that can't give him a run for his money ... that would be a shame. This franchise's best bet: focus on Sparrow with a few co-stars who can rival Depp's charisma and chemistry. Any suggestions?
Zac Efron Photos
NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: Actor Zac Efron attends US Weekly's Hot Hollywood Issue celebration at Skylight on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Scott Wintrow/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) (L-R) Actors Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, MTV VJ Carlos Santos Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale and Monique Coleman visit MTV's "Mi TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron visit MTV's "Mi TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens visit MTV's "Mi TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens visit MTV's "Mi TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens visit MTV's "Mi TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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Cast member Zac Efron from the movie "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" poses for a portrait in Los Angeles October 12, 2008. Efron says he wasn't much into sports at school, had to be dragged to his senior prom and was really a bit of a goofball. So becoming a global "tween" idol by playing a basketball star who wins the heart of the prettiest girl in school in the blockbusting "High School Musical" series has been a shock. Picture taken October 12, 2008. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni (UNITED STATES)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Corbin Bleu, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman and Zac Efron visit MTV's "TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Corbin Bleu, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman and Zac Efron visit MTV's "TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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NEW YORK - OCTOBER 21: (U.S. TABS OUT) Actors Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, Zac Efron, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens visit MTV's "TRL" at MTV Studios in Times Square on October 21, 2008 in New York City. (Photo by Bryan Bedder/Getty Images)
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
10-22-2008 @ 5:41PM
Paul Nicholson said...
He's a bit on the old side, but Michael Keaton comes to mind. He'd be a great competitive pirate captain/foil for Sparrow.
Picture a mix of roles he's played, centered around the night watchman from Much Ado About Nothing that he nailed.
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 5:50PM
Rufus said...
Totally agree. Michael Keaton would would be excellent if we're talking about charisma and that certain stage 'presence'. Nice pick.
Also, I'd consider Timothy Olyphant - say what you will about Hitman, but he has a quiet, yet powerful presence about him too.
10-25-2008 @ 5:17PM
Alex said...
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10-22-2008 @ 6:13PM
Alex said...
please god no. I do not want him making the whole franchise jumping the shark, plus I don't like his acting
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 6:31PM
Alex said...
please god no. I do not want him making the whole franchise jump the shark, plus I don't like his acting
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 6:48PM
Moody Blue said...
Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow HAS no rival. His portrayal of Capt. Jack is GENIUS. Every little nuance is like he's living a reincarnation of the pirate. I wasn't a big fan until I saw "Pirates of the Carribean", but now I can't get enough of Jack Sparrow. I wish he could make a new one every year!!! He is the ULTIMATE coniving, charming, do what it takes pirate. The fact thay these are all decent movies without all the swearing and sex, makes it that more enjoyable to be viewed by the whole family. I can't say enough good things about the POTC movies. They will be absolute classics.
Reply
10-22-2008 @ 8:27PM
Tattoovon said...
Matthew McConaughey totally could pull this off, just like in Dazed and Confused and many of his other roles
Reply
10-25-2008 @ 7:33PM
SPrinkle said...
Oh please. He can't act - only thing he seems to do well is take off his shirt. He made a lousy Dirk Pitt in Sahara. And he will make a lousy pirate.
10-25-2008 @ 8:22PM
hot red said...
I totally agree with Tattoovon about Matthew McConoughey. Have seen him in parts ranging from comedy to love interest to serious player. I believe he could definitely hold his own alongside Depp and they might possibly even compliment each others skills as actors.
10-25-2008 @ 8:37PM
hot red said...
I agree with Tattoovon and their choice of Matthew mcConoughey. I have seen him in roles ranging from comedy to love interest to serious and I believe he could definitely hold his own along side Depp. They might even compliment each others skills as actors.
10-23-2008 @ 1:29AM
Rus said...
Zac himself shot down the rumor today stating that he has not been offered any part in POTC 4 though he says he would gladly accept if Disney offered.
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 4:09AM
Hela said...
let me put this one forward, but lets check the list first:
Chrisma? Check
Likability? Check
Presence? Check
Humour? Check
Gorgeous? Check
step forward ROBERT DOWNEY JUNIOR as some sort of cutler beckettesque American?
Reply
10-24-2008 @ 7:12PM
Susan said...
If there is a God (And I'm pretty sure there is) he would make sure there were never anymore Pirate movies!
Disney just loves to beat a good idea to death doesn't it. Black Pearl was amazing but the other two movies were overdone and delivered more action than actual story.
I love Jack Sparrow but his character just became redundant by the 2nd half of the 2nd movie.
No more please! I'm praying!
There are so many great stories out there. Why does Hollywood feel this need to rehash and remake and redo every movie ever done!? Be original!
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 8:42AM
filmsuki said...
How about we just let Pirates go since the trilogy is finished with a pretty cleaned up (albeit lackluster) ending?
Oh right, sorry..money talks...
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 9:59AM
Kevin said...
Geez, why does everyone forget about Geoffrey Rush? That guy was fantastic as Barbosa, and I found him every bit as engrossing as Captain Jack. I'd pay to see another movie with those two going after each other. However, if you have to put forth someone new then I'll second Robert Downey Junior. My only concern would be that they would play the part in a fairly similar manner.
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10-25-2008 @ 3:59PM
SP21 said...
What about Christian Bale? Or maybe that guy from Trainspotting & Snatch?
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10-25-2008 @ 4:11PM
Norm said...
What if Disney was brave enough to go in another direction- Michael clark Duncan or Ving Rhames- Black pirates- former slaves who escaped or jsut men from the Africa contintent
Talk about an edge and an interesting story.
Gutsy yes and it would be refreshing
Reply
10-25-2008 @ 4:15PM
John said...
Even though he is old ....Mel Gibson....as a stowed away drunk (with a vast knowledge of sailing) who quickley becomes jack Sparrows unwitting rght hand man for the price of alcohol.When sober he is haunted by memories of how the sea took all he was but he cannot curse the sea for it is also his true love oh and he has a dog named fluffy....okay can the dog.
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10-25-2008 @ 4:22PM
LM92025 said...
I'd like to see Orlando & Kiera take a break from the POTC series.... I agree that the last two stories were more action driven than storyline..... little boring in the grand scheme of things..... Maybe bring them back in 10 years when Orlando is more mature (and possibly more interesting) with the continued story line from where it was left off on #3 with adding a child from the two.....
In the meantime, I personally think that David Bowie would make for a very interesting rival... he has an incredible look for that type of character with a devilish charm, charisma and captivating presence....
However, I like to maybe see a sibling rival for Jack in which I too think Robert Downey Jr would be a perfect fit..... with additional cameos from Keith Richards.... and a mother (prior to the voodoo head shrinking of course)???? hhhmmmm.... who could that be... Cher!!!
Reply
10-25-2008 @ 4:46PM
moi said...
Will and Elizabeth had a child -- if you watch the third movie through the credits, at the end of them, it shows Will coming home to Elizabeth and their child.