Zac Efron set to star in big-screen Baywatch remake with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

DUST off the red board shorts and stock up on tanning oil. Zac Efron is reportedly in talks to join the Rock in a big-screen remake of the hit 90s TV series.

SOME people stand in the darkness, afraid to step into the light. But not Zac Efron.

The often shirtless heart-throb is reportedly in talks to pull on a pair of famous red board shorts for a big-screen remake of Baywatch.

The project has been gestating at Paramount for years but has gained momentum in recent weeks with the signing of director Seth Gordon.

The Hollywood Reporter says the film will star Efron and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson as rival lifeguards in Malibu, who have to put their differences aside to save their beloved beach from an oil tycoon.

Famous torso ... Efron won an MTV Movie Award last year for Best Shirtless Performance.

Rarely covered up ... Efron on the set of another upcoming film, Dirty Grandpa.

If all goes to plan, the movie would start shooting in early 2016.

It will be a big year for Efron, who is shaking off his teen hunk origins for more adult roles.

He’ll star in a sequel to last year’s raunchy hit comedy Bad Neighbours. And another pair of comedies - Dirty Grandpa and Mike & Dave Need Wedding Dates - are expected to do big things.

The Rock appeared to welcome the Baywatch casting rumours overnight.

BIG NEWS: Welcoming my dude @ZacEfron to #BAYWATCH. Our movie will be big, fun and RATED R.. Like me when I drink. https://t.co/8DPMJSEG9K

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 10, 2015

It's BIG. Me and bud @ZacEfron been talkin' bout this one for a long time. And someone get my baby oil. #RatedR 💪🏾 https://t.co/Dem85fWMBz

— Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) August 10, 2015

Originally published as Zac Efron set to star in big-screen Baywatch remake with Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson