Speaking at the European premiere of his new romantic drama The Lucky One, the 24-year-old actor said he's had an easy ride so far, but it's now time to prove he's a legitimate thespian.
"I got into this in a very lucky way, but it wasn't the actor way, you know what I mean? I would call what I had very much a lucky break," he said.
"So, my goal over the past few years has been to take a step back, really learn about my craft, and prove to myself that it wasn't just a fluke, that I am here for a reason."
Efron shot to fame at the age of 18 starring in the 2006 smash hit High School Musical. He went on to star in two more movies in that franchise.
After years of playing schoolboys, he's hoping his role in The Lucky One is a step towards shedding his teen idol image.
The movie is based on the best-selling novel by Nicholas Sparks and sees Efron star as a US Marine sergeant who tracks down a beautiful woman (Taylor Schilling) whose photograph he believes saved his life in Iraq.
"I was proud to have taken this role — it was a scary choice," he said. "I didn't know if I could play a Marine. Everyone you talk to would say I am wrong for this part, but you know, at the end of the day it was a challenge, and I am proud. I think I pulled it off."
The Lucky One hits UAE theatres Thursday.
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