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Disney has closed all deals to reunite the principal cast members of the “High School Musical” franchise for the big-screen entry in the company’s lucrative franchise.
Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman are returning for “High School Musical 3: Senior Year,” which is set to go before cameras in the spring with Kenny Ortega, who helmed the two “HSM” telefilms, in the director’s seat. The movie is slated for release Oct. 24.
Written by returning scribe Peter Barsocchini, “HSM3” sees Troy (Efron) and Gabriella (Hudgens) facing possible separation as they head off in different directions to college. Musical numbers ensue.
Bill Borden, Barry Rosenbush and Don Schain are producing.
“High School Musical” made its debut in January 2006 on the Disney Channel, becoming a surprise and massive hit, spawning a best-selling soundtrack and theme shows. The sequel premiered in August and attracted the largest audience ever for any basic-cable telecast with an initial viewership of 18.6 million. Its soundtrack was the second-best-selling album of 2007.
The cast of unknowns became instant superstars with the tween and teen set, and with the actors demanding a bigger cut of the pie, there were questions whether the studio would be able to close certain deals for “HSM3.”
