Zac Efron forced to clarify shocking reason behind face transformation after fans noticed he ‘looked different’

Following the release of Zac Efron’s new Netflix rom-com last Friday, many fans found themselves defending the actor after cruel comments about his appearance began to surface.

Also starring Nicole Kidman and Joey King, A Family Affair sees Efron play self-absorbed Hollywood star Chris Cole, who strikes up a romantic – and clandestine - relationship with his personal assistant’s widowed mother, Brooke.

But while many viewers enjoyed watching the romance unfold, others found themselves a little distracted – taking to social media to share their thoughts on Efron’s appearance.

"No chemistry between Zac and Nicole, and I can't watch the plastic surgery faces anymore, it's creepy,” one said, adding: “Didn't finish the movie."

Thankfully, other fans came to his defence, pointing out that there is actually a pretty sad reason behind any difference in his looks.

Zac Efron and NIcole Kidman in A Family Affair (Netflix)

It’s a topic that Efron, 36, has previously been forced to clarify, explaining it actually stems from an injury that happened more than 10 years ago.

In an interview with Men’s Health, the actor said he had been running through his house in 2013 when he slipped and hit his face.

He had been wearing a pair of slippery socks as he fell into a fountain, hitting his face on a granite corner and knocking himself out in the process.

Efron in 2012 (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

After waking up, he said he realised his 'chin bone was hanging off his face', having shattered his jaw.

He recalled: "The masseters just grew. They just got really, really big."

Efron later told Entertainment Tonight that he nearly died following the accident.

When asked what he made of the ‘speculation’ online, he replied:

"I don't really read the internet.

"It was funny. It sucked. I almost died."

Efron’s jawline looks arguably wider than before because different facial muscles have had to work harder to compensate for the near-fatal injury, and as of 2022 he was still undergoing physical therapy to try correct this.

He injured his jaw in a 2013 accident (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Hitting back at trolls online after the release of A Family Affair, one fumed: "Zac had not much choice in the matter as his jaw just about fell off and major reconstructive surgeries was required after a freak accident in his home...."

Another said: "In 2013, a nearly-fatal injury meant Zac Efron required reconstructive jaw surgery. Following several major transformations for his roles since, he’s battled depression, burnout and undernourishment. Oh, and he isn’t a CHILD anymore. Shockingly, at 36, he’s aged. Leave him be."