“17 Again” Came Out 15 Years Ago Today and You'll Never Guess Who Zac Efron Hung with at the Premiere

Zac Efron traveled the globe to promote his 2009 favorite, which costarred Matthew Perry

17 Again can finally go to high school.

The beloved Zac Efron and Matthew Perry film — which debuted on April 17, 2024 — follows the story of Perry's Mike O'Donnell, who gets a second chance at his younger days as he's transformed back into a high schooler (played by Efron). The movie made $136 million worldwide and was a favorite among fans, holding an extra special place in hearts since Perry's shocking death last year.

When the movie was coming out, though, it was Efron who traveled the globe, stopping in what feels like every big city imaginable to promote the film. And along the way, he met up with some famous friends and fans — including one Taylor Swift.

On the film's 15th anniversary, look back on these photos of a young Zac Efron (he was 21 at the time!) on the global 17 Again press tour.

Sydney, Australia

Zac Efron kicked off the 2009 17 Again press tour Down Under, premiering the film at Sydney's Hoyts Cinema on March 11.

Sydney, Australia

While there, he linked up with none other than Taylor Swift, who was doing a week of concerts in Australia before launching her Fearless tour stateside.

Sydney, Australia

The megastars posed for a photo together before the film began.

Paris, France

Two weeks later Zac Efron popped up in Paris, channeling Troy Bolton for a photo call at the Hôtel Plaza Athénée on March 24.

London, England

On March 26 he brought the film to London. While shooting the movie, "the girls would come out of class and scream through the windows," costar Melora Hardin recalled to PEOPLE at the time. "Zac is truly dreamy."

London, England

The London premiere took place at the Odeon West End.

Beverly Hills, California

Next it was on to Los Angeles, with an April 5 press day offering the perfect moment for his then-signature hairstyle. "It's amazing; there's so much emphasis put on my hair," he told PEOPLE at the time. "It's not a big deal. The day a director tells me to cut it, it's gone."

Hollywood, California

The big L.A. premiere came on April 14 at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, where fans lined the streets to get a glimpse of the film's stars.

Hollywood, California

Stars Michelle Trachtenberg, Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and Matthew Perry posed for photos together on the red carpet.

Hollywood, California

Michelle Trachtenberg and Zac Efron shared a sweet moment amidst the chaos.

Hollywood, California

In such a 2009 moment, the finalists of that year's season of American Idol came to the carpet and posed for pics with Zac Efron.

Hollywood, California

His High School Musical bestie Corbin Bleu came out to support him, too.

Hollywood, California

Oh and the Jonas Brothers were at the afterparty.

Berlin, Germany

Then it was back to Europe, where Zac Efron premiered 17 Again to adoring fans on April 26.

Berlin, Germany

Seriously, every 17 Again red carpet pretty much looked like this.

Speaking to PEOPLE in 2009, Zac Efron said at 17 he was "a kid who has no idea what he's in for. I was not the coolest kid in school, but I wasn't a total pariah. I fell somewhere in between. I wore goofy hats to school and did musical theater. Most people thought I was a total weirdo. I was the coolest of the nerds."

Madrid, Spain

On April 28, Zac Efron was mad for plaid in Madrid.

In PEOPLE's review of the film, our critic wrote, "Tween and teenage girls everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief. Efron, their dreamboat from the High School Musical franchise, can easily carry a movie on his skinny shoulders. He shows a breezy self-assurance and considerable comic chops in 17 Again."

Madrid, Spain

The April 28 Madrid premiere brought a sleeker style from the star.

Madrid, Spain

"He was so funny and so smart that it was almost a little depressing," costar Thomas Lennon told PEOPLE ahead of the film's release. "The kid is already gorgeous — can't he suck at something?"

Tokyo, Japan

At long last, Zac Efron's whirlwind 17 Again press tour wound down in Japan on May 14.

Universal City, California

But the film stayed with him long after! At the 2009 Teen Choice Awards in August of that year, Zac Efron took home the choice movie actor award for 17 Again.

"This is very special for me guys, this is a huge honor," he said in his speech, before adding to the crowd, "Don't be afraid: seize the moment."

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