Some bittersweet news struck the musical theater and Disney community recently when the trailer for High School Musical: The Musical: The Series dropped, only to reveal that it will be the final season. I am NOT okay.
The wildcats will be returning to Disney+ on Aug. 9, with all eight episodes available to stream at once. As we prepare for an emotional binge, let's take a look at how the characters have changed from Season 1 to now.
Here's baby Joshua Bassett as Ricky from Season 1:
And here's our boy in the Season 4 trailer:
And here's a side-by-side:
Dara Reneé serving one of many looks as Kourtney in Season 1:
Kourtney in the trailer — with a much deserved crown:
And here's a side-by-side:
An absolute shining star, Julia freaking Lester, as Ashlyn in Season 1:
And here she is (NOW A TONY AWARD NOMINEE!!) in Season 4:
And here's a side-by-side:
Here's Sofia Wylie in Season 1 as Gina, back when they tried to paint her as a villain:
And here's Gina in the Season 4 trailer:
And here's a side-by-side:
Matt Cornett as E.J. in the pilot:
Here's E.J. (and his facial hair) looking a bit somber in the trailer:
And here's a side-by-side:
Kate Reinders in Season 1, giving us drama teacher realness as Miss Jenn:
Here she is in the trailer, looking sentimental and proud of her students 🥲:
And here's a side-by-side:
Here's Frankie Rodriguez as our fave choreographer, Carlos:
And here he is now:
And here's a side-by-side:
And we'll get to see some of our favorite original High School Musical cast members returning to East High this season! Here they are way back when vs. now:
Here's Lucas Grabeel slayyying in one of his many hats as Ryan in High School Musical:
Here he is (in another hat) now:
And here's a side-by-side:
Monique Coleman as Taylor, our scholastic decathlon bestie:
Here she is in the trailer, looking beautiful:
And here's a side-by-side:
Corbin Bleu as Chad, my 2006 boyfriend:
And here he is now, as my 2023 husband:
And here's a side-by-side:
The QUEEN herself, Alyson Reed, as Ms. Darbus:
Here she is in the trailer!!!
And here's a side-by-side:
Bart Johnson as Daddy — I mean, Coach Bolton:
Aaaand here is him now:
And here's a side-by-side:
That's everyone! I am ✨really✨ hoping for a full HSM reunion with Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale — but since they weren't featured in the trailer and weren't in the cast announcement for Season 4, we don't know if they'll make an appearance. Also, where is Olivia Rodrigo as Nini?! We've seen her in a recurring role that's gradually gotten smaller as the show has progressed and she's taken on solo projects, but it's yet to be confirmed if she'll be returning for the final season. I know we would love to see them all in this together (pun very much intended).
You can watch the full teaser trailer here:
