High School Musical: The Musical: The Series spoilers follow.
We refuse to let it go when it comes to High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, and it seems that Disney must feel the same way, because following season three's Frozen extravaganza, the show will now be returning for a fourth season on Disney+.
And what's even better is that this announcement was made before season three even started to air, which just goes to show how much faith Disney has in our beloved Wildcats.
"This series continues to deliver best in class drama, humor, and heart," said Disney's president of branded television, Ayo Davis, in her official statement.
"[Creator and executive producer] Tim Federle's vision and interpretation of this legacy IP keeps evolving season over season, and we can't wait to see what's in store for the Wildcats next."
Showrunner Tim Federle echoed all this too in his own statement (via The Hollywood Reporter), saying: "This series has been an epic adventure from the start, and I'm beyond grateful that we get to keep making music, telling these stories, and showcasing these exceptional stars."
We're grateful too, so join us here at Digital Spy as we get our heads in the game and unpack everything heading your way in High School Musical season four.
High School Musical season 4 potential release date: When will it return on Disney+?
If everything's on track, we would expect season four to arrive in the summer of 2023, and during an interview with People, series star Sofia Wylie basically confirmed as much, revealing that production will pick up in September 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah.
High School Musical season 4 cast: Who will be in it?
High School Musical season four is set to go back to its meta, Wildcat origins next year by staging a High School Musical 3: Senior Year production. And that's not all. In season four, East High School will also be transformed into the shooting location for a fictionalised High School Musical 4: The Reunion.
So yes, that does mean more movie alumni could appear now, joining previous returnees like Lucas Grabeel, Kaycee Stroh and Corbin Bleu.
During an interview with People, showrunner Tim Federle revealed that he's sent an invitation out to all of the High School Musical stars who changed our lives for the better in that original trilogy.
"Now it's a matter of juggling and holding my breath and praying and lighting candles and seeing who wants to come play with us," says Federle. "So I have high hopes, but I can tell you we've engaged a lot of people and it's gonna be a really exciting season."
Don't be surprised if Zac Efron ends up appearing in some capacity after he teased his interest back in May.
"Seriously, having the opportunity in any form to go back and work with that team would be so amazing," said Zac at the time. "My heart is still there. That would be incredible. I hope it happens."
During that same People interview, Federle also confirmed that pretty much everybody from the main series cast will return as well, including newbies like Maddox (Saylor Bell) and Jet (Adrian Lyles), as well as Cornett's EJ, despite having recently graduated.
Does that mean JoJo Siwa could return for another cameo too? Speaking about her role as Madison in season three, the Dancing with the Stars finalist told EW: "I immediately was like, 'Yes, I don't care the capacity, I don't care the day, I don't care the time, sign me up.'
"It's such a cool, iconic show and it feels like such a big, big honour, and so I just felt really grateful."
One key cast member who won't be returning though is Olivia Rodrigo, after she said her goodbyes at the end of season three.
During a recent chat with Federle, the High School Musical showrunner exclusively opened up to us about Olivia's reduced role and her exit from the show.
"I mean, anyone paying attention to the music business in the last year… it's like: you're not Sherlock Holmes to discover that Olivia's become the biggest music star in the world, as I think she richly deserves," Federle said.
"I actually went to Disney and said, 'I think Olivia should tour the world. This is her dream. And I think we should do the right thing, and allow Olivia's music career to explode.'
"I had Olivia's support in that, and I had Disney's support in that. We all worked together to give her – I think and hope – a really memorable experience in season three for those OG High School Musical series fans, while also recognising that there's so much talent in this cast, and there's other stories we can tell."
High School Musical season 4 plot: What will the fourth season be about?
Following the end of season three, High School Musical showrunner Tim Federle spoke to People about the next steps and how season four is a "real return to the original" season.
"[It's] the real return to why the show got greenlit in the first place, which is real theater kids singing at this iconic location, aka East High," he added.
But what does the future hold beyond that? Federle admits there is an endgame in sight if cancellation does loom after season four:
"I think I've glibly in the past said we're gonna go seven seasons and I would still love that but I think other than Cobra Kai, we're just about the longest running reboot there is right now, which we're all super, super grateful and proud of.
"I definitely have endgames in mind for all of the characters in terms of how long the show goes. I think that's gonna be a decision that Disney and I come to together."
Would original cast members like Olivia Rodrigo return when that day comes? Federle said: "There's a lot of people who have become a part of our extended family and I think when we reach that day, my hope would be that it's just a big cheerful, joyful party on set."
High School Musical season 4 trailer: When can we see a promo?
High School Musical will release new season four footage in 2023, probably around early summer. It'll be a tough wait for sure, but just remember: We're all in this together.
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series streams on Disney+.
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