Efron Shimmies Out of 'Footloose' Redux

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(March 23) -- Having already established himself as a teen heartthrob thanks to his smooth moves in Disney's 'High School Musical' movies, Zac Efron doesn't want to be typecasted, so he's reportedly pulled himself out of the 'Footloose' remake.

The Wrap is reporting that Efron left the Paramount redux because he felt it would hinder his transition into non-dance movies. The latest script was apparently the deciding factor for Efron, but there's no word on what exactly changed that made him quit.

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Zac Efron Snapshots

Actress Vanessa Hudgens and actor Zac Efron arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party - Arrivals Sunset Tower West Hollywood, CA United States February 22, 2009 Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com To license this image (16571127), contact FilmMagic.com

Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic.com

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actress Vanessa Hudgens (L) and Zac Efron arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Vanessa Hudgens;Zac Efron

Getty Images

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actors Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zac Efron;Vanessa Hudgens

Getty Images

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 22: Actors Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron arrive at the 2009 Vanity Fair Oscar Party hosted by Graydon Carter held at the Sunset Tower on February 22, 2009 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Vanessa Hudgens;Zac Efron

Getty Images

A 'Footloose' production team member told The Wrap that script approval was a part of Efron's contract, and he used that power to get out of the film.

"People had been working on this project since last July -- we were all shocked."

Much of Efron's success has come from song-and-dance roles. He shot to fame as Troy Bolton in the 'HSM' series, and also scored a major movie role in the 2007 musical remake of 'Hairspray.' He also made an Oscars cameo -- complete with song and dance -- with his girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens and host Hugh Jackson.

The new 'Footloose' was intended to be released in 2010, and Kenny Ortega, who directed all three 'HSM' movies, was set to man the lens.

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2009-03-23 11:53:03

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