The famed Wildcats of the "High School Musical" franchise are returning for a fourth installment, this time focusing on a new generation of superstars-in-the-making.
Disney Channel confirmed news about "High School Musical 4" in March this year. "High School Musical is part of Disney Channel's DNA," E! News quoted Disney Channel President Gary Marsh as saying. "It embodies all that we stand for. As a way of continuing to embrace that heritage, we're excited to announce 'the start of something new' as we launch a search for a new class of East High Wildcats to star in a fourth installment of the 'High School Musical' franchise."
Jeffery Hornaday is set to direct "High School Musical 4," with Peter Barsocchini helming the script together with Dan Berendsen.
Although little is known about "High School Musical 4" as of press time, reports say that the plot will focus on a triangle that will pit schools East High Wildcats and West High Knights against one another.
The original "High School Musical" cast members will not reprise their lead roles, although there are rumors that they might make cameo appearances as school mentors. Although Vanessa Hudgens has expressed her full support for the reboot, there's been no confirmation about her participation in the project. Her on-screen boyfriend and real-life ex Zac Efron also hasn't been confirmed for a part in the television movie.
Ashley Tisdale, who played mean popular kid Sharpay Evans, hinted that she probably not joining "High School Musical 4," contrary to rumors that she might lead the drama club as Mrs. Darbus' assistant.
"Sharpay was such an awesome character, but at the end of the day it was a character; it wasn't me. Anything that I've gotten since then, TV-wise and movie-wise, is me really fighting for it," Seventeen quoted Tisdale as saying. "I think that journey is what makes me so grateful for everything. If I was handed stuff all the time I don't know if I would be the person I am today."
The first "High School Musical" movie premiered on Jan. 20, 2006 on the Disney channel. Its accompanying soundtrack went triple-platinum and made international stars out of its main cast members.