Efron will star opposite such acclaimed actors as Marcia Gay Harden, Billy Bob Thornton, Paul Giamatti and Jacki Weaver in the drama about John F. Kennedy assassination.
- Dec 20, 2012
AceShowbiz - After starring in Lee Daniels' thriller "The Paperboy", former Disney heartthrob Zac Efron is set to tackle another gritty role in his new movie. It has officially been announced that the "Hairspray" actor is set to star in Peter Landesman's "Parkland", which is inspired by the notorious assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Details of Efron's role are still scarce, but he is set to star opposite a host of acclaimed actors, including Oscar winners Marcia Gay Harden and Billy Bob Thornton, and Oscar nominees Paul Giamatti and Jacki Weaver. Serving as the producers are Playtone's Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman. Exclusive Media will support the financial.
Upon announcing Efron's casting, Exclusive's co-charimen Nigel Sinclair and Guy East say, "Zac Efron continues to impress us with his recent shift into more dramatic roles which showcase his exceptional acting skills and Marcia Gay Harden is an unparalleled actress who gives tour de force performances in every film she appears."
"We look forward to seeing their combined talent in Peter Landesman's powerful and mesmerizing story alongside the excellent cast already attached to this film," they gushed.
"Parkland" is based on Vincent Buhliosi's epic book, "Reclaiming History: The Assassination of President John F. Kennedy". Landesman will adapt the book in addition to making his directorial debut.
The book itself tells the dramatic true story of the chaotic events that occurred at Parkland Hospital in Dallas on the day JFK was assassinated on November 22nd 1963. The film will be shot in Austin, Texas and is projected to be released in the U.S. sometime in 2013, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the assassination.
