Zac Efron states thatExtremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vilewill not be a “celebration” of Ted Bundy. The serial killer has been in the news a lot lately since it was just the 30th anniversary of when he was executed and thanks to a new Netflix docuseriesConversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes, which was made byExtremely Wickeddirector Joe Berlinger. However, since then a number of women have commented on how attractive the serial killer was, almost painting Bundy in a good light.
But, before people start to get worried,Zac Efronsays thatExtremely Wickedisn’t going to be a positive look into Ted Bundy’s life. Instead, the story is mostly told through the perspective of Bundy’s ex-girlfriend, Liz Kloepfer, who is played by Lily Collins. Kloepfer wanted to believe thatTed Bundywas not capable of such gruesome acts. Efron had this to say about the movie possibly painting Bundy in a sympathetic view.
“I feel a responsibility to make sure thatthis movie is not a celebration of Ted Bundy. Or a glorification of him. But, definitely, a psychological study of who this person was. In that, there’s honesty.”
As for taking on the role of Ted Bundy, Zac Efron was hesitant at first. Before he read the script, the actor figured that it was going to be a type ofgeneric slasher-type of moviethat has been told time and time again. However, once he read the script and dug deeper into Bundy’s life, he realized that they both shared some similarities. Efron explains.
“Something clicked pretty early on, and it was kind of scary. It was that Ted and I had quite a bit in common in the way we carried ourselves. There are a few mannerisms. You can tell he’s a bit bashful. He’s kind of shy. He’s a well-spoken guy, buthe hides his anxiety with a bit of a smile. I didn’t want to do too much of an impersonation.”
to get into character forExtremely Wicked, Zac Efron did extensive research on Ted Bundy and spoke with people that knew him. The more he started to talk to people, the more Efron started to get a better view of how Bundy projected himself publicly, which helped tounlock some of the mysteriesthat the serial killer didn’t put on display. What Efron found surprised him. You can read what Efron had to say below.
“They could not believe that such a strait-laced, pleasant, smart, smiling, calm individual was responsible for such horrendous, horrific crimes. And that makes him all the more fascinating, because really he was loved by nearly everyone around him. Even people in prison enjoyed their time with Ted Bundy.”
Extremely Wickeddirector Joe Berlinger liked the idea of having Zac Efron take on the role of Ted Bundy. The director saw the parallels immediately and enjoyed taking Efron’s heartthrob status for a challenge. The first trailer for the movie has been released and it looks like Efron did a pretty great job getting into character.Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vileshould have a release date soon. Until then, you can read the full interview with Zac Efron over atVariety.
