Speculation swirls that Zac Efron could play John Ibrahim in a series about the Sydney nightclub king’s life
A ‘Sopranos-style’ TV series based on the life of Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim has been in the works since last year.
While nothing has been confirmed, Ibrahim and Efron had tongues wagging after Sydney Morning Herald reported that they were spotted dining at Bondi’s Icebergs together.
When contacted for comment by the publication, Ibrahim played coy and said that they must’ve spotted ‘some other handsome Lebanese man’ at Icebergs.
Rumours: A ‘Sopranos-style’ TV series based on the life of Kings Cross nightclub king John Ibrahim starring Zac Efron (pictured) could become a reality
The TV series is based on Ibrahim’s best-selling memoir chronicling his conquest of Kings Cross.
The international mini-series is being developed by Australian script writer Kieran Darcy-Smith and producer Mark Fenessey who acquired the rights to Ibrahim’s book ‘Last King of the Cross’ prior to its 2017 release.
In November, it was reported that it will be a three-part series that will depict Ibrahim’s ascent to becoming one of the most powerful figures in Sydney nightclub scene, amassing his club empire by the age of 26, while surviving 20 attempts on his life.
Sources close to the production said the TV series would feature violent scenes with a ‘Sopranos’ feel, according to the Daily Telegraph.
Talk of the town: While nothing has been confirmed, Ibrahim (pictured) and Efron had tongues wagging after reports that they were spotted dining at Bondi’s Icebergs
However, Sydney Morning Herald has reported that it could end up being a musical production instead.
The project has been secretly in the works for more than a year and negotiations were underway with top streaming platforms including Stan, Netflix, HBO and Viacom last year.
The series will feature the iconic strip joints, nightclubs and the young women that formed Ibrahim’s early years.
Fenessey, whose production credits include TV series Masterchef, The Voice, and Catching Milat, was seen meeting with Ibrahim in Kings Cross in November.
Ibrahim was also spotted giving Darcy-Smith a tour of the nightlife precinct and nearby Oxford Street where the 17 clubs he has been associated with were based.
The international mini-series is based on Ibrahim’s book ‘Last King of the Cross’ (covered pictured)
News of the show sparked speculation over who will play the leading role, with insiders saying last year that Ibrahim could be portrayed by an overseas actor.
Firass Dirani, who played Ibrahim in the Underbelly, is reportedly unlikely to be handed the script as the writers and producers are seeking a different vibe for this production.
When contacted by Daily Mail Australia over whether he will be taking part in the series, Mr Dirani said: ‘No comment’.
The first leg of the series will centre on Ibrahim building his empire from the ages of 17 to 26, while the second focuses on him taking hold of the gay nightclub scene along Oxford Street.
The series will also explore key events in the nightclub boss’ life, including surviving a near fatal stabbing and other attempts on his life.
The Lebanese-born entrepreneur migrated from Tripoli to Australia with his family as a young child before securing his first nightclub at 19.
He has been dating model Sarah Budge since 2015, who he met after buying the Potts Point building where she operated a restaurant.
Daily Mail Australia contacted Mr Ibrahim at the time, who said he was unable to comment on the production at this stage.
Story: The first leg of the series will centre on Ibrahim building his empire from the ages of 17 to 26, while the second focuses on him taking hold of the gay nightclub scene along Oxford Street