High School Musical TV show creator teases return of original stars

The creator of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has teased the possible returns of the film’s original stars.

During the airing of third season – which finished this week – two stars of the three beloved films surprised fans with social media posts taken outside the real school used as East High School in Salt Lake City.

Fans immediately started speculating that the former Disney Channel stars were set to have a cameo in the current series, in which another OG Corbin Bleu had a recurring role as a fictionalised version of himself.

Unfortunately the two actors didn’t bless fans with another quick stint as Troy and Vanessa on the small screen, however hope is not lost.

Tim Federle, the creator, writer and showrunner for the hit Disney+ series has said there are plans to open up the doors of East High once again for the film franchise’s original stars.

“Hand on the Bible, I can promise you we're going to deliver a lot of OG High School Musical stars,” he told Entertainment Weekly.

The fourth season will involve the current students returning for their senior year only to discover their school is being used to film High School Musical 4: The Reunion.

Federle added: “There's a lot of busy people whose lives are all over the map, and we're trying really hard to engage as many as possible.

“I wish I had a firmer answer, but the reality is the High School Musical 4 concept is new enough to the show that we're still working really hard on guest casting.

When asked about the possibility of Zac and Vanessa returning following their suspicious and perfectly timed Instagram posts, Federle said: “I took those Instagrams as an inspiration and as a divine sign from the universe more than anything — Zac and Vanessa were not on the payroll when they did that. That was their own volition, and I was very appreciative.”

Our fingers and toes are crossed!

In related news, the season three finale bid adieu to Nini played by pop superstar Olivia Rodrigo.

The 19-year-old, who wrote the hits 'Drivers Licence' and 'Good 4 U' from her chart-topping album Sour only had a recurring role in season three with a grand total of three episodes.

Although fans will be heartbroken to see Nini depart the show, Federle said Olivia will be welcomed back into the fold with open arms if she wants to return in the future.

"The door is always going to be open to Olivia Rodrigo, because she is a massive element to the success of the show and the success for me as a beginning TV writer when she was first cast," he said.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season four premieres on Disney+ in 2023.