If only the lessons from Friends had prepared us for the curveballs life can throw. Perhaps, facing the untimely passing of Matthew Perry would not have felt like such a seismic shock. The show, known for its comedic charm, had Chandler Bing as the wizard of wit. But, it was Perry’s memoir that unveiled the labyrinth of battles he fought beneath those quickfire one-liners, shining a spotlight on the unsung hero behind the laughter.

In yet another melancholic twist to the tale, Perry had embarked on his biopic project before his demise, and what truly left jaws dropping was his desire to cast one of his co-star as the young version of himself in the film.

Matthew Perry’s unfinished biopic dream

Matthew Perry had a zest for life as he dreamed of bringing his incredible journey to the big screen through a biopic. What added a pinch of intrigue was his choice for the role of his younger self – none other than Zac Efron. As per Entertainment Tonight, Athenna Crosby, who had the privilege of sharing a meal with the iconic Friends star just a day before his unexpected departure, spilled the beans, on Perry’s fervent desire to champion his recovery from addiction and let the world in on his compelling story.

Perry was a man on a mission, full of optimism and raring to inspire others through his experiences. Perry and Efron had already teamed up in the 2009 comedy 17 Again, which added a dash of intrigue to their potential partnership. Perry’s ambition did not stop there, though. In 2022, he made a move and tried to rope Efron into a romantic comedy project he had written. This shows the kind of gumption and unwavering spirit he had when it came to breathing life into his creative ideas.

Efron’s shot at portraying the youthful Perry in the biopic might have slipped through his fingers, but he is laced up for a new game in Tinseltown. He is gearing up to shine in a sports biopic called The Iron Claw, ready to hit the ground running and give it his all.

From almost Perry to The Iron Claw: Efron’s next big move

In the upcoming A24 biopic The Iron Claw, Efron and Jeremy Allen White tackle the roles of brothers Kevin and Kerry Von Erich, also known as the Texas Tornado in the world of professional wrestling. The film, directed by Sean Durkin, is set for a December release. It delves into the Von Erich family’s journey in the highly competitive wrestling scene of the early ’80s.

To embody their roles, the cast underwent impressive physical changes. Jeremy Allen White gained 40 pounds of muscle through a demanding diet. Co-star Zac Efron stood out as a dedicated fitness guru who left the cast in awe of his transformation. The film promises not only an enthralling wrestling saga but also a testament to the cast and crew’s commitment to bring this story to life.

Did you know about this biopic vision of Perry? Let us know in the comments below.