Follow us on Google News
Get the latest updates directly in your Google News feed
Actors have often admitted that working with the belovedFRIENDSactor Matthew Perry has always been a privilege and a fun experience. Well, the Disney star Zac Efron is no exception. Following their collaboration on the 2009 movie17 Again, Efron revealed becoming friends with Perry.
Although the duo didn’t share the screen, despite having significant roles in their film, Matthew Perry and Zac Efron had major respect for each other. Hitting off their unlikely bond, the actors cherished their friendship until Perry’s untimely demise in October 2023.
Also read:“I didn’t want to stand near him”: Jeremy Allen White Reveals His Hilarious Reason for Avoiding Zac Efron While Filming ‘The Iron Claw’
Matthew Perry and Zac Efron Starred in17 Again
We have often witnessed several unlikely stars collaborating on a particular project. Much like that, theFRIENDSstar Matthew Perry was brought to work with the Disney actor Zac Efron. While both actors have had significant success in their respective careers, no one expected them to work on a particular project.
Perhaps because of their age gap and the genre of films they work on, it was highly unlikely to witness them together. Thereafter, audiences’ minds were put to ease, whenZac Efronand Matthew Perry collaborated in the movie, but didn’t share a scene. Playing the same character at different ages, the duo appeared in17 Again.
The movie narrates the story of Matthew Perry’s character being upset with the way his life turned out since high school. From being the star basketball player to losing it all and having an unsatisfied life, Perry’s character was seen wishing to get back his good old days. And surprisingly his wish comes true and he turns into his 17-year-old self, played by Zac Efron.
Also read:Zac Efron Says He Would Be “Honored” To Play Matthew Perry in Biopic Despite Rejecting the FRIENDS Star’s Earlier Offer For a Role
Matthew Perry Earned Zac Efron’s Respect and Friendship
Zac Efron and Matthew Perry’s 2009 body switch movie turned into a hit film, just like every other movie with the same theme and storyline. Getting glowing reviews from fans and critics,17 Againultimately led to a box office gross of $136M. And just like the film’s rousing success, even Efron and Perry’s bond became a strong one.
Despite never sharing scenes together in17 Again,Zac Efron andMatthew Perry‘s friendship started when the young actor looked up to theFRIENDSstar and wished to absorb his knowledge and experience. Spending time together, the duo were able to build a friendship and had a shared sense of humor.
“Matthew was always available to hang out and kind of work with me on the part. So, yeah, we kind of did become friends. He’s got incredible timing. Hanging out with Matthew was probably the most valuable thing that I did. He’s got some very classic mannerisms.” Efron toldMTV News.
The two clearly got along well since17 Againand shared a sense of respect for each other. Given the way Zac Efron portrayed Matthew Perry’s young version in the 2009 movie, theFRIENDSactor was stunned by his skills of imitation and therefore wanted Efron to play his role in his biopic. Efron cherished his bond with Perry, until the latter’s unfortunate demise in October 2023.
Read more:“He’d done a lot of organ damage over the years”: Sean Penn Says Matthew Perry Tragic Death Didn’t Surprise Him at All
Krittika Mukherjee
Senior Writer
Articles Published :3219
Krittika Mukherjee is a Senior Entertainment Writer at FandomWire, majorly focusing on films, TV shows, and celebrity news with over 3,000 articles published. With an educational background in Journalism, and a keen interest in filmmaking, Krittika blends factual precision with creative flair, when crafting her editorials, or dissecting fan theories.Her coverage often includes news and analyses of critically acclaimed films, celebrity news, and franchises like the Wizarding World, LOTR, DC, and MCU—particularly Harry Potter, Fantastic Beasts, Superheroes, and fan theories. As a Wizarding World aficionado, Krittika has spent countless hours exploring hidden backstories, unadapted book moments, spells, and trivias surrounding J.K. Rowling’s lore.An imaginative writer with a way with words, Krittika has worked as an entertainment journalist for the past two years and a web content writer for a year. She brought her experience and expertise to FandomWire to pursue her desire for sipping coffee while dissecting films and tracking celebrity drama.
