Leslie Mann and Zac Efron’s Unforgettable Moments Filming 17 Again

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In the 2009 American fantasy comedy film 17 Again, Leslie Mann played the character of Scarlet O’Donnell, the estranged wife of Mike O’Donnell, the protagonist played by Matthew Perry (in his adult form) and Zac Efron (in his teenage form).

Leslie Mann as Scarlet O'Donnell and Nicole Sullivan as Naomi (pronounced "Nay-o-me") in 17 AgainLeslie Mann as Scarlet O’Donnell and Nicole Sullivan as Naomi (pronounced “Nay-o-me”) in 17 Again (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Starring opposite Zac Efron and Matthew Perry in Burr Steers’ successful comedy that grossed over $125 million worldwide, she played Scarlet as an adult. Allison Miller played the teenage Scarlet in the opening scene.

Casting Contrasts: At the film's 2009 release, Leslie Mann (37) and Michelle Trachtenberg (23) showcased their on-screen family bond, bridging their real-life age difference with effortless graceCasting Contrasts: At the film’s 2009 release, Leslie Mann (37) and Michelle Trachtenberg (23) showcased their on-screen family bond, bridging their real-life age difference with effortless grace (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Age Dynamics in “17 Again”: From Fiction to Reality

Filmed in January 2008, Leslie turned 37 just before the movie was released in the United States on April 17, 2009. She was born on March 26, 1972, in San Francisco, California, and celebrated her 37th birthday on March 26, 2009.

Her co-star Michelle Trachtenberg, who portrayed Margaret Sarah “Maggie” O’Donnell, was 23 when the film premiered and turned 24 on October 11, 2009. There is only a 13-year age gap between Mann and Trachtenberg, despite playing mother and daughter.

Born on October 18, 1987, in San Luis Obispo, California, Zachary David Alexander Efron turned 22 on October 18, 2009. He was 20 when filming 17 Again in January 2008.

Zac Efron and Leslie Mann in 17 Again, a 2009 American fantasy comedy film directed by Burr SteersZac Efron and Leslie Mann in 17 Again, a 2009 American fantasy comedy film directed by Burr Steers (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

Behind the Scenes With Leslie Mann and Zac Efron

During the first week of filming “17 Again” in January 2008, Zac Efron experienced severe stomach pains and was later found to have a burst appendix, which required immediate hospital treatment.

“The first week we were working together he was having stomach pains; he was doubled-over between takes,” Mann told MTV about filming the movie with Zac Efron in January 2008.

“The next day, we found out that his appendix burst. … He went to the hospital and had it taken care of, and he was back at work the next day!”

“Zac Efron is hot for my wife! What do I do?” laughed “Knocked Up” director Apatow. His wife Leslie Mann plays Efron’s love interest in the film. “I’m trying to take the heat that he creates with her and take it back to my house.”

Actress Leslie Mann arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere "17 Again"Actress Leslie Mann arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere of “17 Again” at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on April 14, 2009, in Hollywood, California (Credit: Nikki Nelson / WENN)

Zac Efron, reflecting on his time with the late Matthew Perry during the “17 Again” filming, expressed that he is deeply affected by Perry’s passing and honored by the possibility of playing Perry in a biopic, a role Perry envisioned for Efron.

At the Dallas premiere of “The Iron Claw” in November 2023, Efron shared his admiration and gratitude for Perry, highlighting the impactful mentorship and learning experiences he gained from their collaboration, especially in comedic timing.

In 17 Again, Zac Efron and Matthew Perry portray the character Mike O'Donnell at different stages of his lifeIn 17 Again, Zac Efron and Matthew Perry portray the character Mike O’Donnell at different stages of his life (Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures)

“I’m honored to hear he was thinking of me to play him,” Efron told People. “We’ll see. I’d be honored to do it.”

“He was a mentor to me, and we made a really cool film together,” he says. “I looked up to him, I learned comedic timing from that guy. I mean, when we were filming 17 Again, it was so surreal for me to look across and have him be there, because I’ve learned so much from him, from his whole life.”

Leslie Mann’s Continued Fashion Excellence: The 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards

In January 2015, 17 Again actress Leslie Mann and her filmmaker husband Judd Apatow joined Jennifer Aniston at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles.

Leslie Mann at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie AwardsLeslie Mann at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards held at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on January 15, 2015 (Credit: Apega / WENN)

The then 42-year-old American actress and comedian donned a gorgeous strapless silver dress from the Reem Acra Spring 2015 collection, toted a Jimmy Choo clutch, and accessorized with Irene Neuwirth jewelry.

Shining Star at the Critics’ Choice: Leslie Mann radiates elegance at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles, dressed in a stunning Reem Acra creationShining Star at the Critics’ Choice: Leslie Mann radiates elegance at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards in Los Angeles, dressed in a stunning Reem Acra creation (Credit: Brian To / WENN)

To present awards with her husband at the 2015 Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, the Big Daddy actress completed the beautiful ensemble by showing off her sexy feet in multicolored strappy Burak Uyan sandals.

Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow, a cinematic power couple, share a moment of joy at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, embodying Hollywood's collaborative spiritLeslie Mann and Judd Apatow, a cinematic power couple, share a moment of joy at the Critics’ Choice Movie Awards, embodying Hollywood’s collaborative spirit (Credit: FayesVision / WENN)

Do you agree that Leslie Mann was the best dressed of the evening?

Leslie Mann's sexy feet in multicolored strappy Burak Uyan sandalsLeslie Mann’s sexy feet in multicolored strappy Burak Uyan sandals (Credit: Apega / WENN)

Leslie’s Burak Uyan sandals are unfortunately not available online.

Leslie Mann toted a Jimmy Choo clutchLeslie Mann toted a Jimmy Choo clutch (Credit: Apega / WENN)