Zac Efron is veering off from starring in comedies to work on a much darker project.
The 29-year-old actor has signed on to portray the notoriously charming Florida serial killer Ted Bundy in director Joe Berlinger's indie drama, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, Variety reports. Bundy was convicted of killing and raping several young girls and women in the '70s, and was executed in 1989.
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"I have been trying to work with Zac Efron for a long time," the film's producer, Nicolas Chartier, said. "From his dramatic turn in Paperboy to his hilarious performance in Neighbors, he continues to impress audiences and critics alike with his extraordinary versatility and range. We couldn't be more excited to see him in this amazing role."
According to the trade publication, Shockingly Evil and Vile centers around Bundy's relationship with his longtime girlfriend, Liz, and will begin production on Oct. 9.
In the meantime, Efron is busy promoting his buddy comedy, Baywatch, which also stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson. Here's what he and his hunky co-star told ET about their onscreen kiss:
