Zac Efron has steadily become one of the most talented and successful young actors working today. Going from the Disney Channel’s High School Musical franchise to more mature fare like the Neighbors films and Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is no easy feat, but Efron’s pulled it off in a way that few actors have been able to. A lot of us here would like to see Efron dip his toes into the realm of superhero films. While he’s been rumored for roles here and there, he hasn’t done so—yet.
Despite this, it hasn’t stopped the very talented online artist BossLogic from imagining Efron in the role of several popular superheroes, some of whom have had films or series already and some who haven’t. So let’s take a look at seven of them!
Hal Jordan/Green Lantern
A new Green Lantern film has been teased by Warner Bros. on numerous occasions, though we’ll be seeing a live-action series on the upcoming HBO Max streaming service. But whether it’s in the DCEU or not, we can’t help but imagine Efron in the role of overconfident test pilot turned space cop Hal Jordan. BossLogic must have been thinking the same thing, so he designed a piece showing what Efron would look like in the role.
While the 2011 film wasn’t that great, that certainly didn’t mean that Hal Jordan is a character that can’t work onscreen. Efron has the good looks, swagger, charm, and action experience for the part. Here’s hoping Warner Bros. gets on this casting.
James “Logan” Howlett/Wolverine
It’s probably gonna be a while before we see Wolverine in the MCU, and everyone is wondering who will take over from the great Hugh Jackman as the adamantium-clawed Canadian who’s the best at what he does.
Efron has been a popular fan pick near these parts, so BossLogic imagined Jackman’s The Greatest Showman co-star in the role as seen here. Many fans want to see a shorter, not as clean-cut actor take the part to reflect Wolverine’s look in the comics, but Efron could certainly pull the role off if he got the chance.
Jason Todd/Red Hood
Curran Walters currently plays Jason Todd on the DC Universe series Titans, but we’re eager to see the gun-wielding anti-hero Red Hood make his live-action debut some point soon.
BossLogic shows us what Efron could look like as the former Robin, both with and without the iconic red hood. As shown in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile, the actor hasn’t shied away from gritty, violent or intense roles, and he wouldn’t be a bad pick for Red Hood, potentially in the DCEU.
Dick Grayson/Nightwing
Speaking of former Robins, Efron would also be great as Nightwing, as seen here. Brenton Thwaites does a swell job in the role on Titans, but for the DCEU, whether that’s in the Nightwing film that’s been talked about or elsewhere, Efron could fill the role just as well.
Nightwing is a complex character that’s had his ups and downs throughout the comics, but he handles them with confidence, charisma, and a good dose of humor; Efron could bring all of that and more were he given the role in a future project. His physique and action experience already make him a top pick in our book. All he needs is some martial arts training and he’s good to go!
Billy Batson/Shazam
2019’s Shazam! was a breath of fresh air for the DCEU, giving us a fun, funny, heartfelt film that didn’t skimp on the action or fantasy elements, anchored by a spot-on performance by Zachary Levi as Billy Batson’s superhero form Shazam (but not called that in the film). Per BossLogic, we can see how Efron would have looked donning the white cape and lightning bolt-studded suit of the character.
It’s easy to see how Efron’s comedy chops could have worked their magic in this role as a kid in a grownup’s body (as opposed to a 37-year old in a 17-year old’s body, as he was in 17 Again) and would have been as good as Levi was in the part.
Johnny Storm/Human Torch
The part that all of us want him to play, it would be a perfect match casting Efron as the youngest, hotheaded (pun mostly intended) member of the Fantastic Four. As part of a theoretical fan casting of the team for the MCU, BossLogic included a pic of Efron as Johnny Storm wearing the iconic FF suit, his face half-lit up with flame.
As Efron is 32 as of writing this, it’s likely Marvel Studios will cast someone closer to Tom Holland’s age for the Torch, but we wouldn’t mind at all if Efron got the part instead. He’s got the cockiness, comedic timing, and physique for the role down pat. Fingers crossed that he gets it, people!
Adam Warlock
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is still a few years off, but that hasn’t stopped us from theorizing what situation the ragtag group of misfits will find themselves involved in. Rumors (though not necessarily writer/director James Gunn) say that Adam Warlock will make his long-awaited MCU debut in the film and that none other than Efron will play him. Always one to see our dreams come to life, BossLogic designed this piece of fan art showing what Efron would look like as the leader of the Infinity Watch.
From the gold skin to the comic-accurate costume, Efron looks pretty on-point as Adam. It’s still unclear whether or not he’ll actually show up in Vol. 3 (though it would make the most sense if he did), but Efron’s likable and magnetic presence should make him a top pick when it comes time to cast the role.
