Disney’s upcoming “High School Musical” series has found its new Troy Bolton. Well, its aspiring Troy Bolton.
Disney alum Joshua Bassett has been cast in the series — itself a musical — as Ricky, a cynical but charming high school junior who launches a bold plan to win back his ex-girlfriend Nini by auditioning to star opposite her in the school’s production of “High School Musical.”
To unpack this for you: Bassett will star in the musical as a character who tries out for his high school musical in the part originally played by Zac Efron in “High School Musical,” a musical about a character trying out for his high school musical. Make sense?
Slated to debut on Disney’s streaming service, the 10-episode series is executive produced by Tim Federle and showrunner Oliver Goldstick. Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush, executive producers of the original “High School Musical,” are also attached.
“Joshua’s interpretation of the Ricky character was brilliant — funny, winning and, at the same time, uniquely vulnerable. The audience is going to love watching this charismatic young actor put his stamp on this next chapter of the ‘High School Musical’ franchise” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.
Added Bassett: “As someone whose childhood was shaped by the cultural phenomenon that is ‘High School Musical,’ I am thrilled to have the opportunity to continue to tell this story. Go Wildcats!”
The 17-year-old actor most recently recurred on “Stuck in the Middle,” and is set to appear in the upcoming Bravo anthology “Dirty John.”