Zac Efron Talks Love Scenes With Nicole Kidman In 'The Paperboy'

Director Lee Daniels (Precious) decided to go in an intriguingly different direction with his new film, The Paperboy, based on Pete Dexter’s (Deadwood) critically acclaimed novel. Premiering this week at the 65th Annual Cannes Film Festival, the explosive sexual thriller follows the story of two brothers, played by Matthew McConaughey and Zac Efron, who delve deeper into an investigation involving a death row inmate, Hillary Van Wetter, played by John Cusack.

McConaughey stars a reporter who returns home to help his brother uncover the truth involving Van Wetter’s conviction. In the process, Efron finds himself entangled with the convict’s lover, Charlotte Bless (played by Nicole Kidman), who convinces the brothers that Van Wetter is innocent.

“I pinch myself every day, especially after doing love scenes with Nicole Kidman," Efron told Australia’s Daybreak. "It was the highlight of my life. She was something else and was always in character. She didn’t get weird Method, like some actors do, but I have never seen anyone so centered.”

—SIOBHAN MCBRIDE

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