Zac Efron Says He Would ‘Be Honored’ to Play 17 Again Costar Matthew Perry in a Biopic (Exclusive)

Zac Efron remembers his late 17 Again actor Matthew Perry.

As he walked the red carpet for the world premiere of his new film Iron Claw in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday night, the actor, 36, exclusively told PEOPLE that he would be open to playing Perry — who died last month at age 54 — in a future biopic, after Perry previously expressed that he would like Efron to role

“I’m honored to hear that he was considering me to play him,” Efron says. “We’ll see. It would be an honor to do so.”

Noting that he’s “devastated” by Perry’s loss, Efron also recalls fond memories of filming the 2009 comedy. 17 Again with Friends star.

“He was my mentor and we made a really cool movie together,” he says. “I looked up to him, I learned comedy timing from that guy. I mean, when we were filming 17 Againit was so surreal for me to look over and see him there, because I learned so much from him, from his whole life.”

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Zac Efron, Matthew Perry in ’17 Again’.

Offspring Entertainment/Kobal/Shutterstock

In 17 Again, Efron played a younger version of Perry’s Mike O’Donnell. The film revolves around 37-year-old Mike, who regrets the way his life has turned out, until he gets a chance to make amends when he falls into a time vortex and becomes a teenager again.

Entertainment reporter Athena Crosby, who was photographed dining with Perry at the Bel-Air Hotel the day before his death, previously told PEOPLE that the star “wanted to make a movie about his life and make a biopic” — and that he “wanted Zac Efron, who has played it before, to play it again because he said he did such a good job.”

The cast 17 Again also included Leslie Mann, Michelle Trachtenberg, Jim Gaffigan and Thomas Lennon.

Lennon, who also worked with Perry An odd couple television series that began in 2015, released a tribute to Perry Diversity.

“Matty had huge feelings and he wasn’t afraid to make you a part of those feelings. A sword-swallowing comedy using real swords. Swords hurt,” Lennon, 53, wrote, later adding: “Matty was always trying to get better. Matty was ready to talk to. Matty didn’t want to be alone. Matty wanted to make you laugh even if swallowing swords hurt.”

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Michelle Trachtenberg, Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and Matthew Perry at the premiere of “17 Again” on April 14, 2009.

Lester Cohen/WireImage

Best known for playing Chandler Bing in 10 seasons of the sitcom FriendsPerry was also known for movies like 2000s The whole nine yardsin 1997 Fools Rush In and in 1999 Three for Tango.

Perry’s family said in a statement to PEOPLE that they are “heartbroken” by his “tragic” death.

“We are heartbroken at the tragic loss of our beloved son and brother. Matthew brought so much joy to the world, both as an actor and as a friend,” they said. “You all meant so much to him and we appreciate the tremendous outpouring of love.”

Matthew Perry.

Frazer Harrison/Getty

Ione Skye shares final message with Matthew Perry days before his death: ‘I love this guy’

Efron is acting Iron Claw along with Jeremy Allen White, Harris Dickinson and Stanley Simons as the real-life sibling pro wrestlers who made up the Von Erich Family.

On the red carpet Wednesday night, Efron also talks to PEOPLE about his take on fame, a topic featured in the film A24.

“I think times are changing,” Efron admits. “One thing I will say is that everybody has a phone these days, so that’s the interesting part of being famous. And I think that’s what this movie is about. The way it was for [my character] Kevin [Von Erich]his family, it speaks to many downsides, or perhaps pitfalls, of fame.”

“You gotta be a warrior to go through this with…, man,” he continues. “And that’s what this story is about. I respect the hell out of guys who fall and can get back up and keep going.”

The High school musical alum adds, “I think everyone can relate to it on one level or another.”

Iron Claw it’s in theaters on December 22.

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