High School Musical original star to have gay romance in TV spin-off
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 4 will finally confirm Ryan Evans's place in the LGBTQ+ community.
During a new trailer for the show, which returns to Disney+ on August 9, the original High School Musical cast return to the real East High to shoot a fourth movie in the franchise.
A song from the project plays out, titled 'High School Reunion', featuring a revelatory moment for those who've stuck by HSM over the years. Taking to the stage is Ryan, alongside fellow Wildcats like Chad, Taylor and Martha, as they wish Ms Darbus a happy retirement.
Then, Ryan and his male partner lock lips, with the former saying: "This means so much to me".
It's time for the high school reunion we've all been waiting for… 😉 Here's a sneak peek of the opening number of #HSMTMTS, streaming August 9 on @DisneyPlus! pic.twitter.com/UUhsY1RXU5
— HSM: The Musical: The Series (@hsmseries) July 25, 2023
Related: High School Musical TV boss explains why major characters are missing in season 3
Lucas Grabeel, who reprises Ryan in the spin-off series, has been open about his character's ambiguity in the past, telling TVLine four years ago: "People have always asked me if Ryan was gay.
"I've seen a lot of performances from the tours or high schools or community theaters, and they always take Ryan to that place of being way over the top. That's fine, but that's not exactly the way I played it.
"I wanted people to think, 'That character's more complex than I thought,' instead of saying, 'Oh, he comes out in pink and you know he's gay'."
Related: Disney+ confirms High School Musical TV series is ending
The actor went on to elaborate: "I had a lot of talks with [director Kenny Ortega] about his own experience in high school. He was not out... but he had that energy inside of him.
"It's such an important time in your life, and you're figuring so many things out. Now, thankfully, people are much more accepting and welcoming of other people's differences."
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series season 4 drops Wednesday, August 9 on Disney+.
You Might Also Like
