Zac Efron Says No to "Footloose"

According to the New York Daily News, actor Zac Efron, 21, has declined to participate in the remake of Footloose. Efron used a script rewrite as a way to break the contract. He decided the rewrite was not to his liking and turned down the role.

A member of the production team said, "People had been working on this project since last July. We were all shocked."

Efron performed with Hugh Jackman and Vanessa Hudgens, his girlfriend, in a song and dance sketch at the Academy Awards.

Kenny Ortega, who directed the "High School Musical" films, was slated to direct the remake, which is set for a 2010 release.

Efron said he is not interested in doing another musical at the current time. Efron is famous for starring in the "High School Musical" set of films.

Paramount Pictures released a statement saying, "Footloose is a project we've longed to see re-booted for a new generation. While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of Kenny Ortega, Neil Meron and Craig Zaden, who will reinvigorate the franchise."