Jojo Siwa praises the queer representation in High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. The hit Disney+ series debuted in 2019 and is currently airing season 3. A spinoff of the High School Musical franchise, the series went from a meta season 1 full of references to the first High School Musical movie to an East High-focused season 2. In season 3, HSMTMTS has migrated from East High to the California-based Camp Shallow Lake. At the resort, the characters have been preparing to put on a summer production of Frozen.
With its new setting, HSMTMTS has introduced several new characters, including Meg Donnelly's Val, who plays a camp counselor, Saylor Bell Curda's Maddox, and Siwa's Madison, Maddox's ex. Though Siwa's character was only mentioned in previous episodes, she finally appeared in season 3 episode 7, "Camp Prom." As an LGBTQ+ icon herself, Siwa was eager to pursue the role of Madison in HSMTMTS season 3.
While speaking with EW, Siwa opens up about the personal significance of playing Madison. The actor also talks about the cultural shift when it comes to the quiet acceptance of queer characters in media. See what she has to say below:
I've never played a gay character — besides myself, and I'm not a character, I'm just myself, but that's that's how it looks to the world. But this is so straightforward: Madison is a queer human. I think it's really special getting to know that kids are going to watch this and not be like, 'She's queer? What's that?' They're going to be like, 'She's queer. Cool.' I love that the next generation just kind of [moves past] it vs. it being a weird thing.
It's moving to see how HSMTMTS has allowed Siwa to take this historic step in her career by portraying a queer character that so fully reflects her identity. Though fans haven't yet had much time with Madison, it's exciting to consider the possibilities ahead for Siwa, who has brought a refreshing authenticity to the series. Her mention of the importance of representation in media also speaks to the impact of the series in general. Given Disney's complicated history with queer representation, HSMTMTS is an exciting example of forward progress, dating back to its debut of Disney's first LGBTQ+ love song with "In A Heartbeat."
HSMTMTS was renewed for season 4 ahead of the season 3 premiere. With one episode left in season 3, entitled "Let It Go," it's likely that plenty of characters will face reckonings in the aptly-titled finale, setting the stage for an eventful season 4. In terms of queer representation, Ashlyn's (Julia Lester) storyline in season 3 has seen her come to terms with a same-sex crush. Since Joshua Bassett, who plays Ricky in the series, came out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community last year, it's possible that Ricky's sexuality could be explored in the show as well. Regardless of whether Siwa stays in the cast beyond her stint in season 3, it's clear that HSMTMTS season 4's LGBTQ+ representation will be even more meaningful.
Source: EW