If you're one of those people who hates waiting for a movie to come out to find out who the characters are, then I have some excellent news for you — High School Musical 4 released a casting notice, so we have some early leads on who to expect in the fourth movie in this franchise. And, even more exciting for all you Disney fans out there, we have not one, not two, but five new characters waiting in the wings to impress us with their youthful vigor and teenage anthems. As hard as it's going to be to live up to the fun-loving vibes of the three films that came before it — not to mention the talents of alums like Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Corbin Bleu, and Ashley Tisdale — if these character descriptions are any indication, it seems like they're right on track.
The plot picks up where it left off, introducing us to new stars from everyone's favorite East High Wildcats, and fleshing out the story of their "cross-town school rivals," the West High Knights. It will be both directed and choreographed by Jeffrey Hornaday, and the best news of all is that it's a completely open casting call. Anyone at all can audition by video and have the potential to make it all the way onscreen. Pretty insane, and it's really making me wish I could pass as a high schooler — not to mention a singer and dancer — well enough to throw my hat in the ring. Whomp whomp. In any case, here are the five new characters that Disney is looking to cast.
Erin
Probably the most compelling character on the list for me, Erin is the only girl on the boy's soccer team. We're looking at a badass feminist athlete, which is really exciting. But she also has a romantic subplot as she ends up falling for the local bad boy who goes by the name of...
Derek
Derek is the bad boy in question, but surprise! It's all just a facade. He's actually a big teddy bear who loves his family and is really into Erin right back. He plays soccer as well, and has a side gig teaching dance to little girls at a studio, a job that I'm imagining he keeps under wraps to maintain his tough exterior.
Campbell
If you thought Zac Efron was hot, hold onto your butts, because Campbell is being described as "Troy Bolton 2.0." (Honestly not even sure we can handle all that.) He's the captain of the soccer team, and also a brilliant actor, of course, because he's Sharpay and Ryan Evans' cousin, and those veins run red with thespian blood. Apparently, he's also into Erin, so I'm anticipating a tricky little love triangle.
Nathalie
We don't have a ton of info on Nathalie, other than the fact that she's Erin's best friend and an extroverted cheerleader. However, based on the little we know, it sounds like she's a sympathetic character, and one that they'll hopefully develop more once they have an actress in the role.
Tamara
And finally, we have Tamara, who it seems like is being set up as sort of the villain of the movie. She used to be the most popular girl at East High, but now she's either graduated or fallen out of favor — she's described as the "former queen bee" — and trying to claw her way back into the spotlight. Watch out for her.
All in all, these sound like awesome characters to me, and covering a broad spectrum. Especially when added into the existing cast, it sounds like this will make for a great movie.
Image: Disney Channel; Giphy (5)
