If you were scrolling through Tumblr or checking movie trailers back in 2014, you probably remember the absolute chokehold the "That Awkward Moment" press tour had on the internet. It was a weird, golden window in time. You had Zac Efron, freshly trying to shed the Disney Channel skin, and Michael B. Jordan, who was the industry’s most "about to blow up" actor after Fruitvale Station.
They were everywhere together.
But then, the movie came out, reviews were... let's just say "harsh," and the duo seemingly went their separate ways into completely different stratospheres of fame. Now that it’s 2026, looking back at the Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan connection feels like looking at a time capsule of a Hollywood that doesn't really exist anymore. People always ask: are they still friends? Why didn't they ever make another movie? Did they actually like each other, or was it just for the cameras?
The 2014 Pivot: Why That Awkward Moment Actually Mattered
Honestly, on paper, That Awkward Moment should have been a massive hit. It’s got Efron, Jordan, and Miles Teller. That is a ridiculous amount of talent for one R-rated rom-com. Efron didn't just star in it; he was an executive producer. He actually hand-picked Michael B. Jordan for the role of Mikey.
At the time, Zac was trying to pivot. He was done with the "Wildcat" energy and wanted to prove he could lead a raunchy, adult comedy. Meanwhile, MBJ was coming off heavy dramatic acclaim and needed to show he could be the "charming best friend" type in a commercial flick.
They spent a ton of time together in New York before filming even started. They lived in the same area, hit the bars, and basically lived out the movie's plot (minus the tanning lotion disasters, hopefully). That chemistry you saw in the interviews? It wasn't faked. They were genuinely two guys in their mid-20s suddenly realizing they were the biggest stars in the world.
The Career Split
After the movie flopped with critics (it’s currently sitting at a rough 23% on Rotten Tomatoes), their paths diverged in a way nobody really predicted.
- Michael B. Jordan went full "Prestige Action Star." He hit Creed just a year later, then Black Panther, and basically became the face of the modern blockbuster.
- Zac Efron took a messier, more experimental route. He did the Neighbors franchise, the Baywatch body transformation that he later admitted was physically destructive, and eventually found his "serious actor" footing with The Iron Claw.
Zac Efron and Michael B. Jordan: Where do they stand in 2026?
You won’t see them papped together at dinner every week, which leads to the "are they still friends?" rumors. But here’s the thing about Hollywood: you can be "industry friends" without being "best-man-at-the-wedding" friends.
They’ve both spoken about each other with nothing but respect in the years since. Michael has often praised Zac’s work ethic, especially during the Baywatch era when Zac was pushing his body to the limit. Zac, on the other hand, has always pointed to Michael as the example of how to handle A-list fame with grace.
The reality is that their schedules became impossible. By 2020, Michael B. Jordan was directing Creed III and running a production company (Outlier Society), while Zac was living in Australia, filming Down to Earth and distancing himself from the LA grind.
Why a reunion is actually more likely now
There’s been a lot of chatter lately about "The New Age of the Bromance." With the 10-year anniversary of their collaboration having recently passed, nostalgia is at an all-time high.
Look at the landscape. We’re seeing a massive resurgence in mid-budget comedies and "star-vehicle" pairings. Michael B. Jordan has expressed interest in doing something lighter again after years of intense training for Creed and Without Remorse. Zac Efron is currently in a phase where he’s balancing indie darlings with big-budget Netflix comedies like A Family Affair.
The stars are finally aligned. They aren't the "rising stars" anymore; they are the veterans.
What most people get wrong about their "rivalry"
There’s this weird narrative that they stopped working together because of some ego clash. It makes for a good headline, but it’s basically nonsense.
In reality, they were victims of the "Death of the Mid-Budget Movie." Between 2015 and 2022, studios stopped making the kind of movies that Zac and Michael did together. Everything had to be a Marvel movie or a low-budget horror film. There was no room for a "three guys in New York" story.
Also, we have to talk about Zac’s personal journey. He’s been very open about his struggles with sobriety and the "Hollywood machine" during that 2014 period. He was burnt out. While Michael was hitting the gas on his career, Zac was—rightfully—taking a step back to figure out who he was outside of being a "heartthrob."
Actionable Insights: How to Follow Their Current Projects
If you're looking for that same 2014 energy, you have to look at where they are putting their creative energy today.
- Watch the Growth: If you haven't seen The Iron Claw, watch it. It’s the culmination of everything Zac was trying to prove back when he made That Awkward Moment. It’s a physical and emotional masterclass.
- Follow the Production: Keep an eye on Michael B. Jordan’s production credits. He’s moved into a "mentor" phase, producing projects for younger actors of color, much like Zac helped him get one of his first big commercial breaks.
- The "Awkward" Rewatch: Go back and watch That Awkward Moment with 2026 eyes. It’s surprisingly better than the critics said. The chemistry between Zac, Michael, and Miles Teller is the only thing that keeps the movie afloat, and it’s a fascinating look at three A-listers before they were "untouchable."
The bromance didn't "end"—it just evolved. They went from being roommates on a press tour to being two of the most influential men in the industry. Whether they ever share a screen again or just continue to cheer each other on from different continents, the impact of that 2014 pairing changed both of their trajectories forever.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Check out Zac Efron’s recent interview on the WrestleBinge podcast where he discusses his career longevity.
- Look for Michael B. Jordan’s upcoming slate under his Amazon MGM deal to see if any "buddy comedy" projects are in development.
- Compare their career "rebrands" to see how they navigated the transition from teen idols to respected actors.
