'High School Musical 4' Cast News: Cameo Aborted As Zac Efron Reveals He Hates His HSM Character

Whatever chances of Zac Efron returning for a cameo in "High School Musical 4" might not happen anymore. The actor recently revealed he doesn't really love how everyone still associates him with his HSM character when he's already done other things as an actor.

Speaking with Men's Fitness, Zac Efron admitted that he would like to kick his young self in the butt sometimes. The actor's rise in popularity was due to his exposure in "High School Musical" 10 years ago, where he played athlete and heartthrob Troy Bolton. Now at 28, the actor said it's still how people see him.

"He's done some kind of cool things with some cool people," said Zac Efron as he spoke about his young self in the third person. "But, I mean, he's still just that fucking kid from [High School Musical]," he added. He also told Elle that he knew no one took him seriously as an actor at 20, when his "High School Musical" popularity was still peaking. "I wouldn't say I was a fan of my work, you know?" he revealed to the magazine.

A moment of appreciation for Mr. Troy Bolton.  pic.twitter.com/meK3U12V2A

— Movie Quotes (@SweetLoveMsg) May 18, 2016

This is not the first time Zac Efron has thrown shade at his character and "High School Musical" as he also said something similar about being part of a Disney phenomenon. "You can't enjoy or celebrate it, it's not a real thing," the actor said back in 2009, per Pop Sugar. "The face on the lunchbox and shit—you can't share that with your friends."

The Evolution of @ZacEfron: From 'High School Musical' to 'Neighbors 2' (Photos) https://t.co/lB1oi7GBzc pic.twitter.com/GgD5cO9ueX

— TheWrap (@TheWrap) May 21, 2016

GQ notes that Zac Efron has been redefining his career since the "High School Musical" explosion has tempered in the last decade. He has picked roles that are anti-Troy Bolton, such as "Parkland," "The Paper Boy" and "Neighbors." He also nixed the chance to star in the "Footloose" remake since he wanted to stay away from productions that will have him singing and dancing.