Zac Efron, the heartthrob from High School Musical, received a surprise tribute from his co-star on the set of his latest film, The Iron Claw. During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, the actors of The Iron Claw reflected on a special homage dedicated to Efron and centered around High School Musical during filming.
Stanley Simons, who plays Mike Von Erich in the film, revealed that he had learned the chords to “Breaking Free” to lighten the mood on set. The moment occurred during a party scene. Simons had decided that in order to overcome his anxiety of working with Efron, he would learn the song and perform it.
“Yes, I think it would have been unfair to anyone from my generation if I hadn’t done something. I was playing music, thinking about a scene, and the night before I had learned the chords to ‘Breaking Free,’ so I did a little performance in front of Zac,” Simons said.
Efron welcomed the High School Musical tribute, telling Kelly Clarkson that the surprise was well-received. When asked if he ever gets tired of people remembering his days as Troy Bolton, Efron explained that the affection people have for him and the films holds incredible value.
“It’s so much fun. The other day in Hollywood [when I received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame], there were so many Wildcats jerseys. The fans are still out there in full force. It’s funny because they were really young, and now there are guys in their 40s. It’s fantastic. I love it,” Efron shared.
Despite his efforts to move on from his High School Musical days, Efron seems to embrace the nostalgia and the impact the films have had on fans. The enduring popularity of the franchise is a testament to its ability to captivate audiences of all ages.
As the actors of The Iron Claw continue their work on the film, it’s clear that the spirit of High School Musical lingers. Efron’s willingness to appreciate and acknowledge the impact of the franchise on his career shows his humility and gratitude towards his fans.
While The Iron Claw may offer a departure from Efron’s previous roles, it’s clear that his High School Musical days will always hold a special place in the hearts of fans. And with the surprise tribute from his co-star, it’s evident that the magic of High School Musical is still alive and well on set.
