Johnny Depp has been tipped as the hot favorite to play Michael Jackson in a biopic about the life of the King of Pop.

Other contenders include Usher, Zac Efron, Will Smith or Justin Timberlake.

The director will have his hands full trying to cast the right person with a source revealing: “It’s going to be one mammoth task trying to get someone good enough at acting and dancing to fill Michael Jackson’s moon-walking shoes. They will need someone with edge, with uniqueness about them.”

Ghostbuster director Ivan Reitman and Up In The Air producer Tom Pollock are currently in talks regarding the project.

Who do you think should be cast as Michael Jackson?

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Photo: Fame

Is there anything going on between Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale? The ‘High School Musical’ stars spent their fourth of July holiday together!

Zac Efron gives Ashley Tisdale a ride on his shoulders at a 4th of July party in Malibu!

UPDATE: No such luck…. the two are just buds! Too Fab has the scoop:

After some curious photos surfaced this weekend of the two looking very cozy during Ash’s birthday party, the rumors started — suggesting Efron had moved on from his ex-girlfriend Vanessa Hudgens with another “High School Musical” star, one who also happened to be one Hudgens’ best friends.

Moments ago, Tisdale responded to the Disney dating controversy, tweeting “Don’t believe all pictures. People r gonna come up with stuff to say bc it sells! I had such a great birthday party with my friends, Family, and BOYFRIEND Scott. I will not let stupid rumors ruin all the fun we had! Xoxo”

Anyone looking for more proof that the two are just friends need look no further than the photo below — showing Ashley getting a kiss on the cheek from boyfriend Scott Speer the night of the party.

Photos: Fame

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Zac Efron has definitely lost all the weight he gained for his new movie, ‘The Lucky One’! He’s back in amazing shape, and showing off his new tattoo!

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Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer film scenes together for their upcoming film New Years Eve.

Based off the pictures, it seems that Efron sneaks something into Michelle‘s purse before he makes his way elsewhere.

Maybe this scene happens and that’s when Michelle Pfeiffer falls into the trash since she’s in a rush?

And in case you missed it, there’s some set pics of Zac earlier in the day on set.