Zac Efron is eager to leave his teen idol image behind - he has signed on to star in a "sexy thriller" from the writer of The Thomas Crown Affair.

Efron, who has built up a huge teenage fan base after starring in Disney hit High School Musical, is looking to move into a lead role with a more mature edge.

And he is starting his transformation into a serious Hollywood actor by appearing in the next film by writer/producer Leslie Dixon.

However, the star won't feel too out of place in Dixon's movie - the pair worked together on Hairspray, according to the Hollywood Reporter.

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(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)