Zac Efron and Justin Timberlake are both eyeing the same role in the possible film adaptation of the hit Tony-winning Broadway musical “Memphis,” according to The Hollywood Reporter. Both actors traveled to the Big Apple to check out the show – Zac Efron twice – and are reportedly interested in the lead role of ’50s-era radio DJ Huey Calhoun.

There has been no announcement about adapting “Memphis” as a movie, but a visit to the show by a famous Hollywood director sparked buzz about a potential film project. Oliver Stone has been spotted taking in the musical this past spring, and his rep confirmed that the director met with one of the show’s writers, Jon Bon Jovi keyboardist David Bryan, about doing a film adaptation.

Sources mention that Oliver Stone said he wants Justin Timberlake to star. [Source]

Zac Efron has reportedly become close friends with Tom Cruise. The actor – who previously revealed that he received motorcycle riding lessons from Cruise – is said to talk on the phone often with the “Knight and Day” star.

“Tom and Zac clicked the minute they met. Since then, the two stars have talked by phone several times a week,” a source told the National Enquirer. “Zac is hungry to make the transition from teenage idol to movie superstar – and he’s using Tom’s career as a template for success. And Tom’s using Zac because he’s desperate to connect with a younger audience.” [Source]

Zac Efron is coming to Australia in September to promote his new movie “Charlie St. Cloud.” Mr. Efron will be walking the red carpet in Sydney on September 19 prior to the movie opening nationally on September 23, reported ABC News.

In “Charlie St. Cloud,” Mr. Efron plays a young man called Charlie, overcome with grief at the death of his younger brother in an accident. The 22-year-old star of the High School Musical trilogy has been busy working in several more mature roles recently, including “Me and Orson Welles.”

During his promotional trip down under, Mr. Efron will make other appearances to be announced at a later date, according to Bigpond News. [Source]

Zac Efron was spotted arriving at JFK airport in New York City on 18 August 2010. Enjoy the pics!

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• August 18 – At JFK Airport In New York City (x12)

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens were spotted backstage at “Memphis” show on Broadway in New York City on 17 August 2010. Enjoy the pics!

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• Backstage At ‘Memphis’ On Broadway In New York City 08/17/2010 (x11)

Enjoy viewing two new posters intended for the European release of “Charlie St. Cloud”!

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• Posters (x2)

After opening up about wanting to be more of a bad boy at times, Zac Efron may get the chance to show a wilder side in the near future.

‘Man Vs. Wild’ star Bear Grylls revealed that the ‘High School Musical’ star has shown some interest in getting involved with the extreme show, reports PopEater. Efron reportedly wrote the adventurer and told him he’d like to be a part of an episode if at all possible. Grylls is interested in exploring the idea, but it may have to wait a little while. The show just finished filming season five so there will be a break before Efron gets a chance to head to the wild. [Source]