Disney's phenomenally successful "High School Musical" franchise will graduate to the big screen in 2008 with "Haunted High School Musical", an all-new musical adventure, it was announced today by Oren Aviv, president of production for the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.

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, 6.5 million DVD units have been sold to date around the world. The success of the movie led to a sold-out 42-date arena concert tour featuring cast members Ashley Tisdale, Vanessa Hudgens, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu, Monique Coleman, and special guest star Drew Seeley (Zac Efron was unavailable due to his movie production schedule). Additionally, Disney Theatrical has licensed the script for local school productions, and it is anticipated that 2000 schools will produce stage versions in the first year alone. ,b>High School Musical 2, reuniting the film's original cast with director Kenny Ortega, will premiere on Disney Channel this summer.

Commenting on the announcement, Aviv said, "Given the enormous universal appeal and phenomenal popularity of the 'High School Musical' franchise, we wanted to bring that same energy, excitement and entertainment to the big screen with a unique and original idea. We're now ready to transform 'High School Musical' into a memorable theatrical musical experience with 'Haunted High School Musical."

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' 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."

Source: Comingsoon.net

Are you kidding? Wut makes you think that the third installment of a movie will make for a good silver screen debut? FLOP.

that.

guys, you're overlooking the popularity of HSM. I think this is a smart move to release the 3rd one to theaters. <33333

I think they should've put the second one on the big screen. "Haunted High School Musical" sounds more like something that can be made in like 10 minutes. I don't even see it doing well on the Disney Channel.

Hopefully the second one doesn't ruin the franchise.

3?
the 2 when is out allready?

This will flop

We havent seen the 2nd yet, an now the 3rd.
OMFG

why 3? i haven't seen 2 first....this is so exciting <333

um no Mike. Possibly the 2nd movie, but the success of the 2nd movie is still yet to be determined, so this a gutsy and possibly stupid move.

i knew mike would defend this. honestly HSM 1 wasn't TERRIBLE, it was annoying that it was so overrated. #2 will most likely flop pulling in half of the viewers for #1, then they'll spend like $1,000,000 on #3 to go to theaters just so it can flop making only like $20,000,000. Then they'll hopefully stop. Seriously if #3 grosses a lot in theaters, which I think it will, Disney will not stop this money wheel for another 10 years.

I think this is a HORRIBLE MOVe.....this usually happens to shows and movies....High school musical did great, number 2 is going to do okay....but not like the first, and the third will barely survive, but will make it out alive......

Is this true? It seems kind of rumor-ish. HSM wasnt that bad...at first. And then it snowballed. I just hope the second one doesnt blow up out of control...

May be a good move, the first was so popular, it's possible for the second to be more popular, and they could make fortunes with a movie, especially a themed movie