Were Firestarter - centers around a father on the run with his pyrokinetic daughter.
High School Musical aside, Zac Efron is yet to jump aboard any major movie franchises, but it's surely only a matter of time before that changes. The MCU is growing at such a rapid pace, every actor in Hollywood will soon have their own Marvel alter ego. Recent additions include Oscar Isaac (Moon Knight), Russell Crowe (Zeus) and Hailee Steinfeld (Kate Bishop), and there might even be a couple of high-profile newcomers in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.
While performing press duties for Firestarter, Zac Efron was questioned about a potential MCU stint (via ExtraTV), and replied with "If the right character comes along... I would jump at the opportunity." With that comment in mind, who from Marvel's extensive pantheon would be the "right character" for Efron in the MCU?
Human Torch
Whenever the topic of Zac Efron ing the MCU arises, Human Torch is the superhero typically mentioned first. Better known as the Fantastic Four's flaming ace, Johnny Storm has previously been portrayed on the big screen by Chris Evans and Michael B. Jordan (whatever happened to them...?) but both attempts to adapt Marvel's first family fell flat. Following Disney's purchase of 20th Century Fox, the Fantastic Four are coming to the MCU sooner rather than later, meaning a third Human Torch will be cast - and it's certainly easy to see why Zac Efron would be considered a favorite.
Baywatch, Efron has already developed the foundations needed for Johnny Storm's characterization - the cocky type with emotional depth beneath his surface and a strong moral core that compels audiences to cheer him on. Possessing both the physical attributes and character experience Human Torch demands, it's perhaps serendipitous that Zac Efron now stars in "Firestarter."
Cyclops
Casting Zac Efron in the MCU only to cover up those famous eyes might seem counter-intuitive, but there's little question he'd make a worthy Cyclops. ing the Fantastic Four in the hop from Fox to Disney, the X-Men represent another imminent, landmark addition to Kevin Feige's growing collection. A Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness trailer already teased Professor X as part of the Illuminati, and that cameo would set the stage for a mutant influx into the MCU. One character you can bet will be among the next generation of big screen X-Men is Scott Summers - known to his friends as Cyclops.
Summers' temperament is the exact opposite to Human Torch. Rather than fiery and outgoing, Cyclops is traditionally characterized as the straight-faced leader of the X-Men - an honorable and righteous superhero who takes his duties seriously, and has little time for larks or showmanship. Cyclops may be more reserved than your average Zac Efron character, but the actor's résumé contains more than enough to suggest he'd make an excellent The Greatest Showman, where Zac Efron strayed from type to play a character unsure of himself with a point to prove - a feeling Cyclops knows all too well. Summers is a known romantic in the Marvel comics, and while not every superhero actor is suited for a love story, Efron holds ample experience in that particular field.
Nova
Nova is one of Marvel's most heavily-rumored movie projects, and the groundwork for his arrival has already been laid. MCU needs now is a Richard Rider - someone to inherit the Corps' power and become the superhero known as Nova. Similar in attitude to Human Torch, Nova isn't averse to having fun with his newfound superpowers, and this plays directly into Zac Efron's natural wheelhouse.
Casting Efron as Nova also circumvents a potential pitfall with bringing the character into live-action. Richard Rider begins as a teenager in the Marvel comics, but the MCU would likely seek to avoid that route for fear of imitating Tom Holland's Peter Parker too closely. Zac Efron brings the impression of youth (the perils of being a teenage starlet, right there) alongside the maturity of a man in his thirties. As Nova's comic journey deepens, his persona darkens, and it's here that Efron would draw from his more challenging past roles (i.e. Ted Bundy). Nova could potentially define the next phase of Marvel Cinematic Universe output, and only an actor of proven versatility can shoulder that burden.
Sentry
After Marvel's super soldier serum, but elected to be forgotten by the entire world while defeating his darker half, The Void. Live-action Sentry in the MCU requires an actor who can equally play the brave, chiseled, all-American superhero, and the forgotten every-man whose true nature has been lost to time. Zac Efron's eclectic past movie roles make him a perfect candidate to portray that duality.
Sentry would represent a unique addition to the MCU - largely a standalone character, but who also plays well with others. His complexity and backstory make casting the character far from straightforward, but Zac Efron has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to evoke sympathy from audiences, possesses a physical look befitting of Sentry, and can force audiences to question whether he's telling the truth, or whether the idea of "Sentry" is just a fabrication.
Hercules
A major Avenger in the Marvel comics, Hercules might've already been cast in the MCU. Hercules' MCU debut is imminent, but that Thor's Greek counterpart is played by a famous face, since we know Marvel gets a kick out of casting big-name actors in secret. Mr. Efron is a no-brainer as the MCU's Hercules. The actor is obviously in fine shape (you don't get cast in Baywatch for nothing) and physical fitness is something of a necessity when playing a Greek figure renowned for his awesome strength. Nevertheless, Efron's suitability for Hercules goes more than skin deep.
Portrayed as a charming ladies' man in the Marvel comics, Hercules shouldn't be too much of a stretch for Zac Efron. However, the Greek god also harbors insecurities and hidden weaknesses, allowing Efron to bring acting nuance to the part, rather than just a handsome exterior. Perhaps the most convincing reason Zac Efron would make a perfect MCU Hercules, however, is the potential for onscreen sparring with Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates). Watching Hemsworth and Efron valiantly attempt to out-god each other would provide MCU comedy gold.
