Zac Efron made a surprising style choice during his appearance on Today on Wednesday morning. The 36-year-old actor sported sunglasses while chatting with his Iron Claw castmates and anchor Craig Melvin. Melvin kicked off the conversation by acknowledging Efron’s Hollywood superstar status but noted that there was a specific reason for the shades.
Apologizing, Efron clarified, “No, I’m sorry, man. I feel weird being in shades.” He went on to explain that it wasn’t a fashion statement; rather, he was dealing with an eye infection. Despite the discomfort, Efron expressed his enthusiasm for being there, emphasizing the movie’s quality and his desire to share it with everyone.
This wasn’t the first time Efron had to address changes in his appearance due to health issues. Last year, amidst online speculation about plastic surgery, Efron disclosed details about breaking his jaw in 2013, which altered the appearance of his face and jaw muscles. He underwent physical therapy, but during the filming of his Netflix series Down to Earth in Australia in 2021, his jaw muscles changed again.
In preparation for his role in The Iron Claw, where he portrays one of the Von Erich brothers in early ’80s pro wrestling, Efron underwent intentional physical transformations. He discussed the challenges of bulking up for this role, emphasizing a different approach than his training for Baywatch in 2017. Efron admitted to experiencing a prolonged period of depression after the intense Baywatch training and expressed a preference for maintaining a slightly higher body fat percentage.
The Iron Claw is set to hit theaters on December 22, showcasing Efron’s dedication to his craft and his willingness to undergo various physical changes for his roles.