Zac Efron Mystery Marvel Character Speculation
While I'm sure that most loyal comic readers and comic book movie enthusiasts don't want Mr. High School Musical anywhere near the beloved MCU, rumor has it that he may be considered for a role. However, there have been hopes that he will be considered for the role of Matt Murdock's Daredevil in the upcoming Netflix series ("gun to my head, if he HAS to play someone" hopes, most likely). There was even a recent poll on this site mentioning his involvement with the impending Dr. Strange film that is set to happen by at least Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but this must have been the result of a misread article or possibly a high hope because there has been no confirmation of said casting anywhere.
Now, with looming speculation and suspicion to go along with the noticeable reluctance that goes with casting any pretty boy teen idol, there must come some logic for us to toy with that could help us prematurely guess whose tights he might don in the near future.
1. Daredevil
I, along with my fellow CBMers, think that Matt Murdock is the most likely hero for Efron to portray. With the Netflix series on the horizon with no casting news accompanied by the idea that he will be played by someone young and obviously attractive (see every MCU hero), Efron does fit the bill. Concerns arise when considering how conflicted, deep, and brooding Daredevil is and if Efron can convey all of these emotions. I kind of consider it less important to be the perfect straight-to-TV Daredevil than to be someone actually playing in the movies, but I definitely need more the competence.
2. Doctor Strange
There is a highly intelligent surgeon/sorcerer that goes by the name of Steven Strange. His appearance has been begged for by fanboys since the idea of a cohesive universe, if not before. The most common options I've seen are Johnny Depp and Justin Theroux. Seeing as I hate both of those actors, I would rather it be someone else. Don't get me wrong though: Efron is not my ideal "someone else." I personally like the idea of Adrian Brody or Joseph Fiennes for the role of Sorcerer Supreme, but maybe mustachioed Efron has a shot. Let's hope not.
3. Iron Man
Young, cocky, and douchey. Two things RDJ is and one he certainly is not. The latter two are necessary to Tony Stark's persona, and we all know how well RDJ delivers. But we also know that his time as Ol' Tinhead is wearing thin. I don't see Marvel actually killing off Tony because he is the cash cow, both as the Avengers' personal piggy bank in the films and as Marvel's real-life meal ticket. Maybe they could consider bringing in a younger character to fill the iron boots but not necessarily get rid of RDJ. Zac Efron sure is a cocky douche. Very loose speculation but still somewhat logical.
4. Iron Fist
We know that Zac Efron is fit. We've all seen a shirtless picture of him in our sister's room, and there's no denying it. I understand that Iron Fist is also a master martial artist so Efron would need a lot of training in that aspect. For TV, I don't see that being a huge deal. Yes, Iron Fist deserves the proper treatment. But I think sufficient training rather than mastery is plenty for a Heroes For Hire Netflix series. Seriously though, put the Iron Fist mask on Efron and tell me he can't pull off the look.
5. Rick Jones
I really don't see an explanation for Rick necessary as I really doubt they'll use Rick Jones with powers. I also don't see a reason for Rick to join the MCU unless they actually make another Hulk movie. If that is a secret plan, I will be very stoked to see Zac Efron in a sidekick role in a non-Avengers movie as well as a new Hulk movie (because I loved The Incredible Hulk).
Like I said, no one WANTS him, but if he does happen to get a shot, who would you want him to play?
Also, sorry for the lack of pictures. I'm doing this from my phone.