25 Behind-The-Scenes Facts From Disney's High School Musical

Here are facts about Disney's High School Musical that you've might've missed when you were too busy grooving to the songs

Chelsi

• Published in Film & TV
• April 6, 2022

There was an era of Disney where musical movies came one after another and they all became great hits. However, there was one special film franchise that became not only one of the highest-rating Disney movies of all time but also grew to become a global mania.

High School Musical is the film that created a big impact on Disney's history. It started as an idea from one of the film producers and was developed by getting Kenny Ortega on board to direct and choreograph the film.

Then casting went on and a lot of them didn't audition for the roles they landed but in the end, everything fit the characters they got. The cast looked like they had fun shooting the film during the behind-the-scenes video but the popularity skyrocketed and soon they were recognized everywhere.

Disney did proper marketing to promote the movie but what made it so popular is, despite the impromptu song and dance numbers, the movie revolves around the importance of self-discovery. Self-love, friendship, and romance were also emphasized in the plot, making it relatable to people.

High School Musical talks about how the lives of high school students with different personalities mesh together, creating connections and memories. All of these while belting out catchy tunes.

1. What was once a placeholder title ended up to be the final movie name which was High School Musical

2.

There were two people that auditioned for Troy Bolton's role before it went to Zac Efron. Sterling Knight and Hunter Parrish. Although they didn't make the cut, they had the chance to all work together in one movie.

3.

Corbin Bleu originally tried out for the role of Ryan Evans because he didn't know that Chad's character was available. When he was cast for the role, he helped add color to the character.

4. A lot of characters that were cast for other roles originally auditioned for the role of Gabriella, namely Ashley Tisdale and Monique Coleman.

5.

Another actor that was cast for another role other than what they originally wanted was Lucas Grabeel. He was perfect for Ryan's character but he recounted once in an interview how he got discouraged after hearing Drew Seeley audition.

6. If you didn't catch it in the first movie, Drew Seeley was Troy's singing voice and even performed in some numbers during the High School Musical tour.

Zac Efron was asked about the topic then and he did say that he didn't know the explanation on why they replaced his voice but he worked hard to have them use his voice in the sequels.

7.

In a cover story of Rolling Stone's on Zac, there was a statistic disclosed that stated one in three American teenage girls had a poster of him.

8. Close on-screen, awkward off-screen. Ashley and Lucas didn't get off on the right foot at the start of filming the movie but as it went, they got closer and ended up as great friends.

9.

Lucas Grabeel had an idea about the direction of Ryan's character and how he could play him well. He talked to the director which is Kenny Ortega who also related to Ryan at one point and they figured out the way they want to portray his sexuality.

10. The iconic jazz squares in the movie was actually Lucas' improvisation. It was inspired by the choreographers he came across with when he was younger.

11.

Filming went on even in the early hours of the morning and late nights, it was normal for the cast to feel sleepy. They found a solution which is a yawn jar where they donated whatever money they save up in it.

12.

Although HSM became a global phenomenon, life hasn't been as kind to other stars who struggled to book another acting gig after it like Lucas. Monique also came home and was faced with an eviction notice after finishing the first film.

13. Before the sequel came out, fans participated in discussions of what they were anticipating in the next film. These includes details like cameos, t-shirt slogans, and even dreamy dates.

14.

Ms. Darbus might always have a dramatic flair to her every step but even off-screen she was a good mentor, especially to Monique. She credited Alyson Reed for helping her gain her confidence in acting back.

15. The only film in the trilogy almost became Halloween themed but after some contemplation and agreement, they decided to drop it.

16.

Another Disney royalty almost became part of High School Musical. Selena Gomez turned down the role of Sharpay's rival in the third film because she felt like it wasn't the right path for her acting career to take.

17.

You might see how Chad and his dad look so much alike. It might be the great acting or it might be because Mr. Danforth was Corbin's real-life dad.

18. After the first film, Ashley brought home most of the outfit and when Disney asked for it back, she turned up her sassiness, getting her way.

19.

There were rumors early on that it was Ashley and Zac that were dating. They thought it was hilarious since they were as close as best friends could be and he was in truth, dating Vanessa then.

20. Vanessa and Zac dating were one of the most pleasant surprises for fans who were already shipping them. And although they broke up after four years, Vanessa had stated that she was grateful for the relationship.

21.

For the most part, the couple worked together professionally. Except for that one time when Kenny Ortega witnessed them fighting and thought it was the end of everything.

22. There was a lot of planning and even casting calls for the next generation High School Musical 4. And even if there was a director who named to probably direct the movie, the production never went through.

23.

In 2006, the High School Musical soundtrack broke records and sold over 3.7 million copies, and was the number one hit on the sales chart.

24.

High School Musical is still part of Disney's all-time highest-rating films. It blew up to become a global phenomenon that broke barriers.

25.

In its first week, High School Musical 3 charted at no. 1, and the $11 million budget they had for the film grossed over $250 million.

There were different interviews wherein the cast members admitted that they never saw High School Musical blowing up to become as big as it was. All over the world, fans recognized them, waited for sequels, and memorized their songs.

Up until now, the cast would bring up their experiences in the film. With it, they spark nostalgic memories for the people who loved the films dearly.

Chelsi