Dylan Efron Breaks Silence on Brother Zac, Reveals New Adventure Series & Viral Fitness Secrets

When Zac Efron’s younger brother Dylan Efron stepped onto the Dancing with the Stars ballroom this fall, millions of viewers who had previously known him only as an adventure-travel creator suddenly discovered a bona-fide reality-TV scene-stealer. The 33-year-old producer and former NCAA track athlete has become one of the most talked-about contestants of Season 34, thanks to shirt-optional samba rehearsals with pro partner Daniella Karagach that rocketed to the top of TikTok’s “For You” page and landed him trending across social platforms. Why is Dylan Efron suddenly everywhere? 1. Prime-time visibility on DWTS Efron’s blend of athleticism and charisma has quickly pushed him into frontrunner territory, and ABC viewers are Googling “how to vote for Dylan Efron” in record numbers each Monday night. Judges have praised his clean lines, while fans can’t stop commenting on the “25-pack abs” he jokingly credits to years of outdoor endurance training. 2. From National Parks to Marriott Bonvoy Long before the glitter of DWTS, Efron built a passionate following by road-tripping America’s most remote national parks and producing the YouTube series “Flow State.” That fit perfectly with Marriott Bonvoy’s new “Drop Pin Challenge,” a scavenger-hunt-style campaign that hides one million loyalty points in secret outdoor locations across North America—and puts Efron at the center as chief adventurer and clue-giver. The partnership has amplified his sustainability message while expanding his reach beyond the typical travel-influencer audience. 3. Crossover reality-TV résumé DWTS is actually Efron’s second reality hit of 2025. Earlier this year he competed on Peacock’s The Traitors 3, where his strategic gameplay earned respect—and a legion of new fans—despite falling just short of the grand prize. The back-to-back shows have kept his name in headlines and on trending lists for months. 4. The Zac effect—but carving his own lane Search interest inevitably pairs Dylan with older brother Zac Efron, but the Cal Poly kinesiology grad is determined to stand on his own résumé. In a recent campus feature he called DWTS “the most intimidating physical challenge since Division I track,” crediting college hurdles for teaching him performance discipline. Industry insiders say the wholesome sibling rivalry only boosts visibility for both brothers. 5. Personal life keeps followers invested Off the dance floor Efron’s relationship with former Bikini Olympia champion Courtney King sparks regular curiosity. On The Viall Files podcast he hinted that marriage isn’t off the table, calling King “my adventure partner for life”. The couple’s joint workout clips and healthy-recipe reels routinely outperform algorithm averages for fitness content. What comes next? With a DWTS mirrorball still in sight, a Marriott campaign that runs through the holidays, and rumored discussions for an original Nat Geo expeditions series in 2026, Dylan Efron’s breakout year shows no sign of slowing. Brands pursuing a gateway to Gen Z outdoor enthusiasts are lining up, and talent managers we spoke with expect Efron to eclipse seven-figure annual sponsorship earnings by Q1. For fans, the immediate call-to-action is simple: tune in to ABC on Monday night, cast those votes, and keep an eye on social. If Dylan Efron’s trajectory holds, 2025 might be remembered as the moment the adventure-travel influencer leapt into full-blown mainstream stardom—sparkly ballroom costumes and all.