A24 loved Zac Efron‘s work in “The Iron Claw” so much, it’s tapping him to play not one but two roles in another upcoming thriller.
A24 has pre-bought the domestic distribution rights to “Famous,” a thriller that will star Efron in a dual role and will be directed by Jody Hill (“Eastbound and Down”), an individual with knowledge of the project told IndieWire.
“Famous” is also being produced by “Mr. Robot” creator Sam Esmail alongside Michael Sagol, and Chad Hamilton producing.
“Famous” is based on the book of the same name by Blake Crouch. It follows the life of Lancelot Blue Dunkquist, an overzealous fan and loser living above his parents’ garage and working a meaningless job but who is the spitting image of world famous movie star James Jansen. When Dunkquist loses his job, he decides to follow his dream to become famous at whatever cost. Efron will play both Dunkquist and Jansen in the film.
Crouch is the author of the “Wayward Pines” trilogy. “Famous” will be adapted by the same screenwriter who brought those books to the screen, Chad Hodge.
Esmail and Hamilton will produce through their Esmail Corp. banner. Black Bear Pictures is financing the film.
The last feature for Hill, who is best known for “Eastbound & Down,” “Vice Principals,” and “The Righteous Gemstones,” was 2018’s “The Legacy of a Whitetail Deer Hunter.”
Efron since starring in last year’s “The Iron Claw” as wrestler Kevin von Erich has also appeared in Netflix’s “A Family Affair” and the comedy “Ricky Stanicky.” “The Iron Claw” though proved to be one of the biggest successes in A24’s history, pulling in $45 million worldwide at the box office. Sean Durkin’s film also won the Ensemble Cast award from the National Board of Review and earned Efron a handful of critic award accolades as well.
Deadline first reported the news.
