One problem with being a success in Hollywood, particularly if you’re young, is that you get typecast. Zac Efron, it seems, does not want to be typecast.

Efron is, of course, known throughout the world as the singin’ and dancin’ Troy Bolton from Disney’s hugely successful High School Musical franchise. But the 22-year-old actor is eager to move on from that wholesome image and establish himself as a serious actor.

On his way to achieving that goal, he’s just signed on to play a con man in the upcoming heist movie Art of the Steal.

Industry trade magazine Variety reports that Efron will play a smooth-talking criminal with a double life in the thriller. A true story based on an article from Wired magazine, Art of the Steal is about a thief who concocts elaborate heists while living behind the façade of a respectable citizen.

The 22-year-old Charlie St. Cloud star will produce the pic with his production company, Ninjas Runnin’ Wild.

Max Borenstein is currently writing the script, based on the article by journalist Joshuah Bearman. There’s no shooting schedule for the flick just yet, but expect one to be announced as soon as a director is chosen.

(Photo by PR Photos)

Story provided by the Dish Information Corporation