According to Deadline, Stuck in the Middle actor Joshua Bassett has signed on for a leading role in Disney‘s upcoming reboot series adaptation High School Musical: The Musical which is set to be release in the studio’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service. Bassett is the first cast member to be announced out of the eight key roles for the series.
“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,” said Bassett. “Go Wildcats!”
RELATED: Jon Favreau Shows Off New The Mandalorian Set Photo
Bassett is set to portray the role of Ricky, the show’s male lead. He is described as a snarky and mischievous high school junior who comes up with a bold plan in order to get his ex-girlfriend Nini back. He will audition to star opposite her in the school’s production of HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL. Even though Ricky is always making jokes and goofing around, he uses comedy and charm to cover his insecurities of thinking that his not actually great at anything.
“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” President and Chief Creative Officer of Disney Channels Worldwide Gary Marsh said.
The 10-episode series is described as a docu-style show which follows a group of students at East High who stage a performance of High School Musical for their winter theater production, only to realize that as much drama is also happening offstage. Each episode will include new songs as well as new renditions of iconic songs from the films.
High School Musical: The Musical will be executive produced by Tim Federle (Ferdinand) and Oliver Goldstick (Pretty Little Liars) along with the original film’s EPs Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush.
RELATED: Marvel May Have Loki and Scarlet Witch Series For Disney Streaming Service
Bassett is a seventeen-year-old TV and musical actor. He has appeared in more than 30 musical theater productions. He also also starred in Disney Channel’s Stuck in the Middle for a recurring role opposite Jenna Ortega and Ronnie Hawk.
The first High School Musical film aired on 2006 at the Disney channel which launched the careers of Zac Efron (The Greatest Showman, Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile), Vanessa Hudgens (Dog Days) and Ashley Tishdale (Charming) giving them worldwide recognition. The last film titled High School Musical 3: Senior Year was released ten years ago.
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
