High School Musical heartthrob Zac Efron is set for a £9million pay day as he takes on the role of SpiderMan. Zac Efron will replace Tobey Maguire in the fourth blockbuster movie, due to start shooting later this year and scheduled to hit cinemas in 2012.

Tobey, 34, stunned bosses at Universal Pictures last year when he announced he was quitting the megabucks franchise. But a studio insider revealed: “After dumping Spidey, Tobey then came to the rescue by recommending that Zac should take over his role.”

Producers believe the 22-year-old, who has a huge teen following, will bring new fans to the Spider-Man series by playing the reluctant hero and his alter ego Peter Parker. They are also believed to be considering reuniting Zac with his High School Musical co-star Vanessa Hudgens, 21.

She is hotly tipped to replace Kirsten Dunst, 27, as Spider-Man’s love interest and the source added: “It would be a great coup to land her as well. The franchise would be revitalised and transformed by two of Hollywood’s most gifted and fast-rising young stars.” [Source]

Nothing has been confirmed yet. Therefore, treat this news with a pinch of salt.