'High School Musical 4' Release Date, News: Zac Efron Definitely Not in Cast, Says Director

By Rachel Cruz, Christian Post Contributor Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Production for "High School Musical 4" (HSM 4) has not yet started, but irector Kenny Ortega, who did the first three TV movies last decade, already confirmed that Zac Efron will not star in the fourth installment.

In an interview with Metro, Ortega revealed that he's not aware who are the new stars of "High School Musical 4" just yet. He's certain, however, that Efron will not be in it despite the clamor from fans.

Kids who grew up watching "High School Musical" on the Disney Channel have been hoping the original cast members will reunite on HSM 4 since Disney announced it was mounting a follow up to the highly successful franchise. Disney also revealed the new TV movie will feature a new group of stars but this did not stop fans from hoping Efron and his former castmates, such as Vanessa Hudgens and Ashley Tisdale, will make a cameo.

"I'd have to talk to the fans, I'd have to write a big old letter to the fans to say 'Okay everybody, wake up and smell the coffee. Zac's gonna be thirty!" the director said. "He's not coming back to do High School Musical!"

Ortega also asked that fans should be open to having a new generation of actors for HSM 4 since Efron, Hudgens and the rest of the cast have moved on with their solo careers and lives as adults. He also shot down a reunion movie by saying it could only happen if fans rally "with fists banging on the table."

Ortega, however, isn't officially part of the production of "High School Musical 4." He implied, however, that he had discussions with Disney about bringing it back.

"I know that [Disney Channel president] Gary [Marsh] would be very interested in having me participate at some level," Ortega revealed. "I would want to, but to what capacity, I don't know."

There haven't been any updates since Disney's open call casting for "High School Musical 4" in May 2016. It was originally thought that the film would be airing on the Disney Channel this year.