Zac Efron to topline thriller for Mandate

'High School Musical' actor will also exec produce

By Borys Kit

June 23, 2009, 04:15 PM ET

Zac Efron has signed to star in an untitled thriller for Mandate Pictures, which is being written by Leslie Dixon.

The plot is being kept under wraps but it is described as "a sexy thriller." The deal continues the evolution of Efron from the teen heartthrob of the "High School Musical" franchise to a more mature leading man, and also sees him stepping into producing shoes. He will act as executive producer with Mandate's Nathan Kahane.

Frequent Mandate collaborator Greg Shapiro of Kingsgate Films ("The Hurt Locker"), Jason Barrett, and Dixon will produce.

Nicole Brown will oversee the project for Mandate.

Efron and Dixon, a respected veteran writer whose credits include 1999's "The Thomas Crown Affair and "Freaky Friday," first worked together on "Hairspray."

No director is on board.

Efron, repped by CAA and Alchemy Entertainment, last starred in New Line's teen comedy "17 Again," which grossed almost $63 million domestically. Dixon is repped by CAA.

Zac Efron to topline thriller for Mandate

'High School Musical' actor will also exec produce

By Borys Kit

June 23, 2009, 04:15 PM ET