Has Robert Pattinson Derailed Zac Efron's Career?

By Rob Shuter Posted Aug 9th 2010 11:31AM

With Zac Efron's latest film, the romance 'Charlie St. Cloud,' now an official box office disaster, everyone is asking what happened to the 'High School Musical' golden goose. The answer, two words: Robert Pattinson.

"Robert is the new King of all the screaming girls at this moment and they have forgotten Zac. You only need to look at this years MTV Movie Awards, when Zac entered the girls were excited but when Robert walked in the place went nuts," relationship expert Matt Titus tells me. "Twilight has changed everything and Robert Pattison gets it. He says nothing, and acts mysteriously. This is what teenage girls really want right now."

However, it seems that Zac has received that memo too. Switching from his more playful roles to ones that focus on his character rather than his pretty-boy looks have come at a huge box office cost.

"Hollywood only cares about making money," one producer tells me. "We honestly don't care if Zac is singing 'Hello Dolly' or playing a vampire, as long as he sells tickets. That fact that 'Charlie St. Cloud' dropped a whopping 60% in its second week following a very mediocre opening tells me Zac should speak less, smile more and take off as much clothing as possible. Or else he will end up like countless other pinup popcorn actors and actresses that decided that they all of a sudden wanted to be taken seriously when all their fans."

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Zac Efron Snapshots

Zac Efron signs autographs outside the 'Jimmy Kimmel' show on July 28. Check out more pics of the hunk >>

JrPerez/X17online.com

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Zac Efron Snapshots

In this publicity image released by Allied Integrated Marketing, actor Zac Efron signs autographs for fans as he promotes his new film "Charlie St. Cloud" at the Dan Perez Baseball Camp at Murphey Candler Baseball Park on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Allied Integrated Marketing, Pouya Dianat)

Zac Efron Snapshots

In this publicity image released by Allied Integrated Marketing, fans gather to meet actor Zac Efron as he promotes his new film "Charlie St. Cloud" at the Dan Perez Baseball Camp at Murphey Candler Baseball Park on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Allied Integrated Marketing, Pouya Dianat)

Zac Efron Snapshots

In this publicity image released by Allied Integrated Marketing, actor Zac Efron prepares to throw the ball as Atlanta Braves pitching coach Roger McDowell, left, looks on during an appearance by Efron to promote his new film "Charlie St. Cloud" at the Dan Perez Baseball Camp at Murphey Candler Baseball Park on Tuesday, July 13, 2010, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Allied Integrated Marketing, Pouya Dianat)

Zac Efron Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 27: Zac Efron attends a game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Zac Efron

Zac Efron Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 27: Demi Moore (L) and Zac Efron attend a game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Demi Moore;Zac Efron

Zac Efron Snapshots

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 27: (2nd L-2nd R) Demi Moore, Ashton Kutcher and Zac Efron attend a game between the New York Yankees and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on June on June 27, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Noel Vasquez/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Demi Moore;Ashton Kutcher;Zac Efron

Zac Efron Snapshots

WAILEA, HI - JUNE 18: Actor Justin Chambers, director Andrew Goodman and actor Zac Efron attend the premiere of "The Happiest Man Alive" during the 2010 Maui Film Festival at the Celestial Cinema on June 18, 2010 in Wailea, Hawaii. (Photo by Michael Buckner/Getty Images for Maui Film Festival) *** Local Caption *** Justin Chambers;Zac Efron;Andrew Goodman

Zac Efron Snapshots

According to Box Office Mojo, 'Charlie' has raked in a mere $23 million since opening July 30. It's budget: $44 mil.

Joe Neumaier, film critic for the New York Daily News, thinks Patz isn't Zac's biggest problem, telling me, "I blame an overcrowded pin-up boy field. Yes, Rob Pattinson is in that jam-packed yearbook but so is Taylor Lautner, some 'Gossip Girl' boys, Shia LaBeouf, the 'Glee' guys and at least one Jonas brother. All these young dudes are now starting to cancel each other out. I think at this point, there's only so many dewy-eyed sulking guys girls can keep track of."

PopEater's own Celebenomics columnist, Jo Piazza, agrees. "Efron is in an oversaturated market for adorably coiffed young gentlemen of a certain age with nothing to differentiate him. He isn't as edgy as Robert Pattinson, as heartthrobby as Chace Crawford or as cutesy as Bieber. His claim to fame, 'High School Musical' was too quickly eclipsed by 'Glee.' There is no demand out there right now for a product that is specifically Efron."

So is Zac career really over at a tender 22-years of age? Please say this isn't true!!!

"I don't think Zac Efron has a career problem. I just think that he made a movie that didn't connect with an audience. This film didn't have mass appeal and was a departure from Efron's normal roles. His audience didn't follow. He needs to choose his next role wisely, but he absolutely still has a career," Tina Wells, Author of tween book series Mackenzie Blue & CEO, Buzz Marketing Group told me.

So, let's hope Zac is listening because it sounds like it's time to dust of those tap shoes, break out the Jazz hands and start warming up those vocal chords. Stop trying to be Robert Pattinson and start being yourself again.

"Zac needs to stick with his strengths," Paul Dergarabedian, President of Box-office Division of Hollywood.com says. "Singing, dancing and comedy." And leave the depressing stuff to Mr. Pattinson.

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Tags: robert pattinson, zac efron

Comments

(40)

Monday 09 August

By Val

Vote down Vote up Report this

I think there is something special about Rob. To me he is super good looking. But also there is a certain appeal about him and the fact that he is down to earth and very unhollywood. Nothing against Zac but I find Rob much more appealing!

By maggie

Rob a liar?? What planet are you from judy? He is more truthful of the things that count than any other star I know. He may not want his personal life invaded, but who can blame him for that.
I personally like Rob better, with his talent, looks, personality, and the chances he takes to stretch himself artistically, his popularity spans a much wider age range and depth than Zac. However, I do think there is room for Zac, he does have talent, he just needs to make wiser choices right now with the economy of the movies being what it is right now.

By Michael

Low Ranked Vote down Vote up Report this

Efron wants to imitate, copy, Robert, even in appearance. Efron wants to copy until the Robert's. hairstyle.
Of course the blame of Zac have a bad career is not just because of Robert. I agree with the article, Shuter.

By Mel

Efron try to copy the Robert's and the David Backham's hairstyle.

By Cathy

High Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

Let's see what happens to Robert Pattinson's career once he is finished with the Twilight series. I bet he will be the subject of an article just like this one!!

By janet

zac's roles are alike. all his roles are these teen-romance with mellow drama mixed in. charlie st. cloud was a bad movie, the storyline was awful. now zac is doing a nicholas sparks movie? thats pretty much the same thing as charlie st. cloud. rob is picking roles that are risky. bel-ami is not made for teens the movie, and its independent movie. i wouldn't say rob is "stealing" his thunder. i would say taylor l is stealing zac's thunder. they both are known for their 6-packs. now taylor's 6-pack is getting more attention

Tuesday 10 August

By marie

No one's "derailed" Jac. Though I've never seen any of his work, he has every chance of making it big like all of the handsome and talented movie stars.

By ShariG

I really like both Zac Efron and Rob Pattinson and think they are both multi talented actors. I loved Zac in 17 Again and also in Charlie St. Cloud. I also loved Rob in all of the Twilight movies and in Remember Me. They are not at all alike in my opinion. Rob is the brooding, hunky, kind of mysterious guy on screen, but in real life he appears to be funny, humble, witty, and someone who clearly enjoys life. Zac seems to be upbeat, funny, kind of all American boy on screen, while in real life he appears to be more introspective and serious about causes, about his girl friend. I certainly think there is room in the movie business for both of them and sincerely hope that they have long and rewarding careers.

By Aitch

well said....

There is room for both actors and who cares if CSC bombed. a lot of directors will see that Zac can act and wants to tackle serious adult roles.

By noypiyorker

I think that only way that Efron can save his career is to appeal himself to a whole new market -- basically, anyone else besides the teen/tween group. Charlie St. Cloud had him testing his acting ability, but maybe he's gotta do something more adult, more edgy. Something that involves more swearing, or even nude scenes. Perhaps some facial hair.

By pattycupcake

oh, okay. thanks, aitch. footloose. i really think he should have done that. maybe there's still time. last i heard, they were still looking for someone. (obviously, i'm not keeping up, though...)

look how good he was in hairspray. yeah, he danced but it was different, a broadway period piece and he was funny in it too. if a project has a quality director and screenwriter, and you think you can pull it off, that's what counts.

i think it's great to do drama but it's also good to remind people of what else you can do. why avoid music? john travolta made the same mistake years ago and it took him forever to repair his career.

none of this has anything to do with other actors, of course. why drag poor rpattz into this?

By Melissa

I agree. None of this has anything to do with other actors, of course.

By ryan

yeah, because on opening weekend charlie st cloud (efron) movie grossed 13 million while remember me (pattinson) only grossed 8 million...yeah, sure. zac has alot to worry about...

Wednesday 11 August

By Lea

Do you even take time to proofread your columns? SEVERAL spelling and grammatical errors.

By Sandra

I didn't see the appeal with Rob at first either, but he's grown on me. Still don't think he's sexy; I liked him a lot in Remember me.
I think Zach is definitely cuter but I'm old enough to be their moth.. well aunt.

By lulu

ryan, remember me was never made to be boxoffice hit. it wasn't even shown in all locations. it was a small budget film with a 16 million dollar price tag. i'm not going to bash zac or rob. they are two totally different actors in their films. i do agree that rob does take the risker movies. i will tell out of both actors i find myself drawn to rob's movies more....aside from twilight...i can not wait for bel-ami, and water for elephants.

Tuesday 17 August

By Cricket

Put Zac Effron in a vampire picture and you can forget Robert,,,or another great musical romance,,Zac is great,,

Friday 27 August

By monica

shut up gossipers.zac is a fantastic actor.rob not that much but he can improve.they both will have amazing careers if they choose good scripts

Thursday 02 September

By Ciera Storey

I'm kind of getting tired of the whole "OMG, It's Robert Pattinson" Thing. I used to be a fan, but I'm just not that into him.... I've been a big fan of Zac's ever since the first High School Musical came out. I'm not dissing him, I just don't see the big hype about Robert...People didn't even like him in the first place! Until they saw the movie, they all criticized him :)

Friday 11 March

By Claudia

Well I can't gine am opinion on this Zac guy, But i have watched all of Pattinson's movies. A couple were pretty boring because of the script, but if you like him or are on the fence. I suggest you watch "Remember Me". It is a very good movie and " Love and Distrust is aweome.Good scripts and he is amazing in both. I am in my forties and therefore I'm not a teeny bopper. But i watched all the Twilight movies and read the books and I love them all. He is VERY handsome and young . I think he has true potential.And if someones movies were bad don't blame it on someone else.I am Team Edward all the way...Can't wait untill Breaking Dawn

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