When Matthew Perry died unexpectedly last week, he had plans for the future. One of them was reuniting with 17 Again co-star Zac Efron to make another movie. Zac would still be playing Perry, but instead of a fictional story, it would be a story about Perry's life.
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Athenna Crosby, an entertainment reporter who was with Perry right before his death, told People that Perry "wanted to make a movie about his life and have a biopic made."
She added that Perry "wanted Zac Efron, who'd played him already, to play him again because he said he did such a good job."
It's hard to believe that 17 Again came out over 10 years ago. In the film, Perry plays a man approaching middle age who is disappointed by the turn his life has taken. Thanks to some magic, he gets transported back into his 17-year-old self, which helps him realize that the life he has is pretty great.
While the film got mixed reviews from critics, it was a hit with audiences, taking in $139.5 million against a budget of $40 million, according to site The Numbers. It was Perry's final film appearance.
Last year, while Perry was promoting his memoir Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing, he revealed that he and Efron had almost worked together again.
"I finished a screenplay that we’re out with to some people. I want to direct that," he said during an interview on Pop Culture Spotlight With Jessica Shaw, revealing that "I wrote it for myself, and then realized I’m 20 years too old to play this."
When asked who he wanted to play the role, Perry said "Well, it was Zac Efron. But he said no."
Sadly, Perry will not be involved in the biopic if it does move forward. The actor died last Saturday of an apparent drowning, but details are still emerging.
"We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and a friend. You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love," his family said in a statement to People the day after his death.
