Film
Hudgens, Tisdale Sign On For "HSM3"
By LaDale Anderson
Nov 11, 2007 - 1:37:43 PM

LOS ANGELES—All those "tweens" who have been patiently waiting for word on the next installment of High School Musical won’t have to wait much longer.  Disney’s High School Musical and its sequel, High School Musical 2, which set records in CD sales and TV ratings in the last two years, are expected to introduce Haunted High School Musical to the big screen in 2008. The films' two leading ladies, Ashley Tisdale and Vanessa Hudgens, have agreed to reprise their roles in the sequel that is sure to break box office records when it finally hits theaters next year.

Amidst the rumors surrounding some of the members of the cast holding out for more money and the scandal surrounding star Vanessa Hudgens, the future hadn’t looked too bright for the series in the past months.  Rumors surfaced that Disney may be recasting Hudgens after nude photos of her appeared on the Internet.  The photos were taken by a cell phone.  Amidst the drama surrounding her, Vanessa expressed her grief and remorse regarding the pictures.  “I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me.  I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos.  I am thankful for the support of my family and friends,” she said in a statement at the time.

A source indicated to US Weekly that Hudgens will get a “substantial increase in pay" for reprising her character, Gabriella Montez.  Tisdale who plays mean girl, Sharpay Evans, has agreed to reprise her role as well.  Hudgens's boyfriend and co-star, Zac Efron, is also expected to sign on for the sequel.  The rest of the cast, which includes Lucas Graabel, Monique Coleman, and Corbin Bleu, are currently in negotiations with Disney and are expected to sign on for the sequel as well.