Zac Efron in negotiations to star in 'Baywatch' movie

The cult 1990s television series about lifeguards set in California is hitting the big screen, and Zac Efron is in talks to star opposite Dwayne Johnson.

After recently adding Seth Gordon as a director, "Baywatch" producers are now in talks with Zac Efron to star in the movie, The Hollywood Reporter revealed in an exclusive on August 10.

If negotiations are successful, Efron will play a young, rebellious lifeguard, teaming up with a more serious and experienced character -- played by Dwayne Johnson -- to save their beach from environmental disaster.

These talks mark another leap in the 28-year-old's career, evolving from Disney teen idol to respected professional actor. Efron has just finished production of "Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates" and will start filming "Neighbors 2" at the end of the month. His casting in "Baywatch" implies that filming will start early next year, according to The Hollywood Reporter.