Zac Efron drops out of the 'Footloose' reboot

HitFix can confirm that Zac Efron has dropped out of the big screen reboot of "Footloose." 

Efron, who star has been rising after becoming the standout in the "High School Musical" franchise and a supporting role in "Hairspray," was expected to play the role Kevin Bacon made iconic 25 years ago.  While the original was mostly a dance flick, the new incarnation was expected to be a traditional musical.

The Wrap reported today that Efron told Paramount he didn't want to make a musical at this point at his career, but HitFix previously learned the actor was also incredibly disappointed in the script the studio was trying to fast track into production.  No doubt, considering the expectations and career possibilities surrounding his upcoming comedy "17 Again," it was a combination of both that lead to his departure.

What will become of "Footloose" is unclear.  Efron's "High School Musical" director Kenny Ortega and his "Hairspray" producers Neil Meron and Craig Zadan had been brought on to spearhead the picture. 

Efron recently broke from his studio career track to star in Richard Linkletter's "Me and Orson Welles."  The period drama received mixed reviews at last year's Toronto Film Festival and is still without a release date.

The actor is also rumored to be starring in "The Adventures of Johnny Quest" reboot for Warner Bros.  "17 Again" hits theaters April 17.