17 Again: Fun Facts About the Movie
** Zac Efron's Breakthrough Role **
17 Again is a 2009 American comedy film directed by Burr Steers. The movie stars Zac Efron, Matthew Perry, Leslie Mann, Thomas Lennon, and Michelle Trachtenberg. Here are some fun facts about the movie:
1. Original Script
The original script was written in the 1990s, but it was never produced. The script was later rewritten and updated for the 2009 release.
2. Zac Efron's First Drama Role
17 Again was Zac Efron's first dramatic role, showcasing his acting skills beyond his musical background in High School Musical.
3. Body Double
Zac Efron had a body double for some of the basketball scenes. The double was a college basketball player who looked similar to Efron.
4. Age Transformation
To transform into the 37-year-old Mike O'Donnell, Zac Efron had to wear prosthetic makeup and a fat suit. The transformation process took around three hours every day.
5. Matthew Perry's Improvisation
Matthew Perry, who played the adult Mike O'Donnell, improvised many of his lines in the movie.
6. Real-Life Inspiration
The movie's script was inspired by the real-life story of a man who wrote a letter to his 15-year-old self, advising himself to cherish his youth.
7. Basketball Scenes
The basketball scenes were filmed at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. Zac Efron had to learn how to play basketball left-handed, as his character was left-handed.
8. High School Musical Connection
The movie's director, Burr Steers, was a friend of High School Musical director Kenny Ortega. Steers had seen Efron's audition tape for High School Musical and thought he was perfect for the role of Mike O'Donnell.
9. Box Office Success
17 Again was a commercial success, grossing over $130 million worldwide on a budget of $20 million.
10. Zac Efron's Stunts
Zac Efron did most of his stunts in the movie, including the scene where he jumps over a car.
11. Film Locations
The movie was filmed in various locations in California, including Los Angeles, Pasadena, and San Fernando Valley.
12. Unique Soundtrack
The movie's soundtrack features a unique blend of 1980s and 2000s music, including hits from Michael Jackson, Prince, and Kanye West.
13. Teenage Zac Efron
To play the teenage Mike O'Donnell, Zac Efron had to wear fake hair, clothes, and accessories from the 1980s.
14. Matthew Perry's Physical Transformation
Matthew Perry had to gain 30 pounds to play the adult Mike O'Donnell. He also had to learn how to walk and move like a 37-year-old man.
15. Witty Dialogues
The movie's script was written with witty dialogues and humorous one-liners, which added to its comedic value.
16. Zac Efron's Favorite Scene
Zac Efron's favorite scene in the movie is the school dance scene, where he had to dance in front of hundreds of people.
17. Last-Minute Changes
Some of the movie's scenes were changed at the last minute, including the final basketball game scene, which was rewritten and reshot just a few days before the movie's release.
These fun facts show that 17 Again was a memorable movie that showcased Zac Efron's acting skills and featured a unique blend of comedy, drama, and romance.
