The second season of The Mandalorian was quite popular on Disney+ and the streaming service has also stepped up its serialized shows set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, the true theater kid side of the Disney fandom has been eagerly anticipating a different follow-up story arc - one that has been in the works for a year and a half.
The second season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series is slated to begin on May 14th, finally continuing the story of one of Disney+'s initial launch shows. There is plenty to be excited about in the upcoming second arc of the mockumentary.
New Cast Members
The High School Musical family has always been an inclusive one. In season two, it's about to get a little bigger. In addition to Joe Serafini becoming a series regular as Seb, stars like Olivia Rose Keegan, Andrew Barth Feldman, Asher Angel, and Derek Hough will join East High.
Obviously, Hough is the biggest star from the group, but the entire group seems well-rounded for the second season cast. It will be exciting to see how the new kids disrupt the dynamics, but also to see how they bring some immense talent to the screen.
More Episodes
Like the second season of Ted Lasso, High School Musical's second go is expanding the episode count from ten to twelve. Who could want to say no to spending more time with the talented cast that also has a knack for making fun of itself?
Besides, it took a long time for Tim Federle and crew to replenish the HSM stock on Disney+. Who knows how long it might take for a third season to bow, if at all? More episodes will allow for everyone to savor the story.
Allusions To High School Musical 2
It's been stated multiple times at this point that season two will actually revolve around a production of Beauty and the Beast, rather than High School Musical 2. Still, though, fans are hoping for some clever and fun allusions to the 2007 sequel.
There are many different Easter eggs that could be present, however, it would be most exciting if Ricky (or E.J. or whoever) manages to channel the over-the-top dramatic energy of Zac Efron's "Bet On It."
Big Red's Talent
In the closest thing season one had to an overarching post-credits scene, Big Red took center stage after the theater department's rendition of High School Musical and tap-danced away to an empty audience.
It was a big reveal that showed even the stagehands have some on-stage talent, too. It will be quite interesting to see that talent grow and build in season two. How exciting it will be to see Big Red join the show. Perhaps as LeFou?
Gina With Permanent Residence
Another season two tease delivered at the end of the season finale came when Ashlyn offered Gina permanent residence at her home, rather than continuously following around her mother, who is consistently taking new jobs.
It will be so much fun to watch Gina's characterization build deeper now that she can be assured she'll be permanently around. Her character has a number of different angles that can be better explored with this security.
A Performance Of "Be Our Guest"
There are a lot of musical numbers from Beauty and the Beast that this HSM team might crush. "Belle" could be lovely, "Gaston" would be a ton of fun. But "Be Our Guest" has always been one of the best in the Disney oeuvre.
Not to mention, "Stick to the Status Quo" was one of the most impressive covers from season one. Ensemble numbers always fare well and "Be Our Guest" should be an absolute banger to anticipate if the cast brings it to life.
The Holiday Season
However, one of the clear highlights of season one was the original songs performed by cast members (and, in some cases, written by them!). This should hold true in season two! The holiday special revealed two new original songs for season 2: "Something in the Air" and "The Perfect Gift."
One of the best parts of these tracks, though, is that they revolve around the Christmas season! The first arc spent time at Thanksgiving, but season two is slated to cover the most festive time of the year!
A Kinder E.J.
Not everyone was on their best behavior in season one, but E.J. might be the closest thing the early episodes had to a direct antagonist. Fans hope the second season will continue his trajectory and develop E.J. as a more three-dimensional human being.
As it was, the denouement of season one saw E.J. extending generosity, redemption, and a sense of humor much more than the early goings. Watching him grow his kindness even deeper will be such a treat for all fans if the story takes this path.
Nini And Ricky Together
Much of the drama of season one was driven by the fact that Nini and Ricky had split up, but were still clearly struggling to reconcile the feelings they harbored for one another.
Season two might have increased wholesome vibes at the prospect of the two of them actually flourishing in their relationship with one another. Obviously, Nini's performing arts school might get in the way, but seeing the love between the two is something fans hope to enjoy.
Olivia Rodrigo's Stardom
Speaking of Nini, one of the biggest leaps in the interim between seasons has been the skyrocket to stardom Olivia Rodrigo has embarked upon. Her song "Driver's License" dominated the airwaves for the first half of 2021 and she has a new album on the way, too.
It is quite a rare occurrence for a show to be able to grow with its biggest star while she is still leading the initial series. Surely, the show will maintain its ensemble feel, but there's no denying it'll be more fun than ever to watch Rodrigo shine.