The perpetual pretty boy Zac Efron is set to star in a movie that holds some promise outside the Disney-fied cushion of hormonal tweens!

A new film called 17 is set to begin production soon and has cast Efron as a 17 year old boy who has reverted from a grown man.

Hey, it’s not like it’s never been done before but, whatever. I’m just excited that it’s not another crappy musical.

Am I coming off as an excitable Efron fan? Well, sorry to say…I am not.

But that’s why I can honestly say I am pulling for the guy because for once he’s been giving a role that goes beyond puppy love and a boyish face.

Aww…he’s growing up!

And I haven’t even mentioned the best part!

Leslie Mann (Knocked Up), wife of director Judd Apatow (40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up), has been cast as well. Phew! Talk about Efron seting himself up for success! Joining up with Team Apatow, in any capacity, is sure to up your credibility by leaps and bounds. And as a girl who thinks paying ten bucks to see a movie musical is a waste of time, and insists 20-somethings who still watch Disney have deeper issues, I’m am proud of the boy.

I’m willing to bet a year from now Efrom pulls a Gyllenhaal circa Bubble Boy and manages to make several indie-ish hits. If Jakey can do it Zac most certainly can. Really, think about it. If an actor can bounce back from playing a crazy lunatic in a bubble…Zac can shed his, shall we say…soft image. C’mon, it’s nothing Zac! I’m behind you!

Anyone care to wager?