Posted by

Tuesday March 31, 2009

Zac Efron has explained why he pulled out of the Footloose remake – because he wants his career to move in a new direction.

The High School Musical star – who previously said he would add his “own little bit of flair” to the role originated by Kevin Bacon – is keen to try something other than musicals following the success of his new comedy film 17 Again.

He explains, “It doesn’t mean no more musicals forever, but right now I had so much fun doing 17 Again that I think that’s the direction I want to head in.”

Efron, 21, will take on a more serious role in film The Death & Life of Charlie St Cloud, about a cemetery caretaker who communicates with his dead younger brother.

“It sounds very grim, but it’s a fantastic story,” he said.

“It’s a little bit more grown-up. It deals with some heavy material.”