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ZAC Efron looked worlds away from his High School Musical Days as he shared a behind-the-scenes clip for his new thriller Gold on Instagram.

In the gripping teaser, the 34-year-old looks unrecognisable as his character is covered in dirt, facial blisters and wearing tattered clothing.

Zac Efron looks unrecognisable in a behind-the-scenes clip of his new film Gold
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Zac Efron looks unrecognisable in a behind-the-scenes clip of his new film GoldCredit: Getty Images - Getty
The star plays a desert drifter protecting a giant lump of gold in the thriller
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The star plays a desert drifter protecting a giant lump of gold in the thrillerCredit: Stan / YouTube

However, the actor's piercing blue eyes are ever more present in the wake of his bearded transformation.

The Bad Neighbours star shared a new teaser of the flick on social media yesterday and explained how "brutal" the filming for the movie was.

He captioned the post: "Filming this was brutal— but I love this sh**.

"So proud of everyone involved and thank you to everyone who has watched so far."

After sharing the video, Zac was inundated with messages from fans who were stunned by his blistered look.

One penned: "What did they do to him?".

"Holy S! Wow, I’m impressed Zac," another commented. A third quipped: "He's handsome even as a zombie".

Another fan shared: "Watched it the other day. it was brilliant and @zacefron is amazing!!"

According to the film's synopsis on , Zac plays a desert drifter who stumbles across a giant gold nugget and guards it when his partner goes to find excavation equipment.

But staying behind isn't easy as his character endures a series of hardships which test his mental and physical endurance.

Recounting his experience of shooting in the south Australian desert in the middle of their summer, Zac admitted that he, his co-stars and the film's crew were exposed to "harsh conditions".

In the behind-the-scenes clip, Zac shared: "I've never been anywhere quite like it to be honest.

"When we drove out to the location I was blown away by the scenery, the vibe and the feel of the area.

"It was unbelievably beautiful. It was mesmerising. Very desolate and dry and very harsh conditions."

He also recalled filming through ";massive dust storms" that ended up making their way into the movie, which was shot in November 2020.

Zac continued: "We filmed through some of the gnarliest conditions I've ever witnessed in my life.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

"It showed a lot of solidarity and teamwork on behalf of the crew and our production. It was really really fun."

Backing up Zac's comments, the movie's director and co-writer Anthony Hayes added: "It was a real challenge. It was probably the most brutal shoot I've done in 35 years. it was extraordinary."

His character in the film sports a beard and multiple facial blisters
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His character in the film sports a beard and multiple facial blistersCredit: Stan / YouTube
Zac found fame playing Troy Bolton in the Disney musical franchise High School Musical
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Zac found fame playing Troy Bolton in the Disney musical franchise High School MusicalCredit: Disney
The actor discussed the harsh conditions he and the crew faced. Pictured in 2019
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The actor discussed the harsh conditions he and the crew faced. Pictured in 2019Credit: Getty Images - Getty
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