The upcoming film The Disaster Artist is going to be a reunion: Zac Efron has signed on for a cameo, joining his Neighbors and Neighbors 2 co-stars Seth Rogen and Dave Franco, reports THR. Beyond the Efron-Rogen connection, the film co-stars and is directed by James Franco, a past Rogen colleague (Pineapple Express, Freaks and Geeks), not to mention Dave’s brother.
The Disaster Artist is a biographical comedy-drama based on a book written by actor Greg Sestero and Tom Bissell that follows Sestero’s experience making The Room — a movie that has often been called one of the worst ever but that developed a cult following nonetheless. Also central to the plot is his friendship with Tommy Wiseau, the man who broke into filmmaking as the 2003 film’s writer, director, producer, and star. The best friends will be played by the Franco brothers, with Dave starring as Sestero and James as Wiseau.
Efron’s role in the movie will reportedly be a cameo as a drug dealer, while Rogen’s part has not yet been announced. The cast also includes Josh Hutcherson, Kate Upton, Ari Graynor, Jacki Weaver, Hannibal Buress, and Andrew Santino. Rogen and his partner Evan Goldberg are producing through their banner, Point Grey Pictures, along with Vince Jolivette and Good Universe.
Shooting for The Disaster Artist began in Los Angeles on Monday, December 7, with news of Efron’s addition to the cast coming on Tuesday. The actor will next appear in Dirty Grandpa with Robert De Niro (due to hit theaters on January 22, 2016), followed by Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising, and Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates. The latter are expected to get theatrical releases in late spring and early summer, respectively.
A release date for The Disaster Artist has not yet been announced.
