Source: Variety

Variety reports that New Line and director Adam Shankman have set Zac Efron ("High School Musical") to play Link, the hunky heartthrob of "The Corny Collins Show," in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY.

Nicole Blonsky won the role of Tracy Turnblad after a nationwide search.

Shankman said he needed to be sure Efron wouldn't be replicating the wholesome nature of the Disney Channel pic.

Shankman and producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron are planning a Sept. 5 start, meaning the 18-year old Efron will have to put other plans on hold. He's been accepted to USC, but will try to defer his enrollment after landing the HAIRSPRAY role.