Disney’s phenomenally successful”High School Musical” franchise, starring Zac Efron, will graduate to the big screen in 2008 with “High School Musical 3,” aka “High School Musical 3: Senior Year” an all-new musical adventure. The original High School Musical, an Emmy Award-winning Disney Channel Original Movie that premiered in 2006, went on to reach over 100 million unique viewers worldwide. In the U.S., the movie’s soundtrack was the #1 album of the year in 2006 (certified quadruple platinum by the RIAA) and is a top-seller in international territories. Additionally, nearly 10 million DVD units have been sold to date around the world.
Rich Ross, president, Disney Channel Worldwide, added, “When people think ‘big screen’ for a TV movie, they generally don’t think this big – but no plasma TV could contain our plans for’High School Musical 3′ thanks to the Walt Disney Studios.”
Gary Marsh, president, entertainment, Disney Channel Worldwide, commented, “‘High School Musical 3’ exploded off the TV screen and into the lives of kids and families everywhere. It skyrocketed to heights never before achieved by a TV movie, so it’s only fitting that its next incarnation should be as a major motion picture. Now, millions of kids and families can ‘get their heads in the game’ one more time — and continue to experience this cultural phenomenon, [“High School Musical 3″].”
Internationally,”High School Musical” has aired on Disney Channels (26 worldwide) and free-to-air broadcasters, reaching over 100 countries. For the September 2006 premiere in India, the music was re-recorded in Hindi with Indian instrumentation and more rhythmic beats to achieve a “Bollywood” sound. Adding to its success,”High School Musical” has spawned a #1 New York Times bestseller – “High School Musical – The Novel,” which has sold over 1.2 million copies. “High School Musical” was also the first TV movie to be offered on the iTunes Music Store. “High School Musical” themed shows have also proven to be popular at the Disney Theme Parks and Resorts, including Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and an upcoming production at Disneyland Paris.
Zac Efron star of the first two “High School Musical” movies, leads the cast in the first big screen version of the film series. (Zac Efron also stars in Hairspray, the remake – and musical).
