17 things you probably didn't know about the 'High School Musical' movies

Olivia SinghOct 25, 2020, 02:24 IST

"High School Musical" is one of Disney Channel's most successful franchises.Disney Channel

"High School Musical" premiered on Disney Channel on January 20, 2006 and launched a whole franchise of movies that starred Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens as Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez, respectively.
There are some things fans might not know about the beloved franchise.
Several of the main cast members auditioned for other roles in "HSM," Monique Coleman almost quit acting right before she booked the role of Taylor McKessie, and Efron was the biggest prankster on set.

When "High School Musical" premiered on Disney Channel on January 20, 2006, it became a global success. The movie, which focused on basketball player Troy Bolton and book-smart Gabriella Montez breaking the status quo at East High by auditioning for coveted roles in the school musical, was filled with catchy songs and matching choreography.

The popularity of "HSM" led to two more films and propelled stars Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Monique Coleman, and Corbin Bleu to fame.

Here are 17 things you probably didn't know about the beloved franchise.

Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel, who played on-screen siblings, didn't like each other at all when they first met.

Ashley Tisdale and Lucas Grabeel played twins. Disney Channel

"HSM" was filmed at an actual high school in Utah, while classes were in session.

Vanessa Hudgens as Gabriella and Zac Efron as Troy in "HSM." Disney Channel

Another actor and singer, Drew Seeley, sang Efron's tracks in "HSM."

Drew Seeley on MTV's "Total Request Live" in September 2008. Peter Kramer/AP

Monique Coleman almost quit acting right before she booked the role of Taylor McKessie.

Monique Coleman starred as Taylor McKessie in the "HSM" movies. Disney Channel

Several of the main cast members auditioned for other roles in "HSM."

Troy and Gabriella met after being paired up for karaoke at a ski lodge. Disney Channel

Grabeel was working at Blockbuster video before he auditioned for "HSM."

Lucas Grabeel as Ryan Evans in "High School Musical." Disney Channel

Tisdale and Coleman actually knew each other before "HSM" because Coleman was on an episode of "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody."

Monique Coleman as Mary-Margaret on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody." Disney Chanel

The "HSM" soundtrack was the top-selling album of 2006, according to Nielsen.

"High School Musical" broke tons of records. Disney Channel

Bleu came up with the catchy and funny T-shirt phrases that his character wore in the movies.

Corbin Bleu as Chad Danforth. Disney Channel

Bleu also chose Chad's basketball jersey number.

Zac Efron and Corbin Bleu in "High School Musical." Disney Channel

In "HSM 2," the pink piano used in Sharpay's performance of "Fabulous" was repainted white for "Everyday" at the end of the movie.

The piano was redesigned so it could be used in two different musical numbers. Disney Channel

Fans voted for Miley Cyrus to make a cameo in "HSM 2."

Miley Cyrus rose to fame for her role as Miley Stewart on "Hannah Montana." Disney Channel

"HSM 2" is still the highest-rated Disney Channel Original Movie of all time.

The stars of "High School Musical 2" during "Work This Out." Disney Channel

One of the initial plans for the third movie was for it to have a haunted theme, but the idea was quickly scrapped.

Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens in "HSM 3." Walt Disney Pictures

Selena Gomez was offered a role in "HSM 3," but turned it down because she was looking to do more serious roles.

Selena Gomez starred as Alex Russo on "Wizards of Waverly Place." Christopher Polk/Getty Images

There were lots of pranks pulled on the set, and Efron was the ringleader.

Zac Efron and Ashley Tisdale on MTV's "Total Request Live" in April 2006. Stephen Chernin/AP

Director Kenny Ortega had a jar on set and each time a cast member was caught yawning, they had to put money inside.

The cast of "High School Musical 2" at the premiere in August 2007. Chris Pizzello/AP

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