DISNEY has found its new “High School Musical” star.

Following a speedy casting process, relative newcomer Joshua Bassett has been tapped to star in “High School Musical: The Musical,” the 10-episode series set to air on Disney’s forthcoming direct-to-consumer streaming service.

Slated to launch in late 2019, the project is based on the Emmy-winning franchise and will be shot as a docu-style series and follow a group of students at East High who stage a performance of “High School Musical” for their winter theater production, only to realize that as much drama happens offstage as onstage. Every episode will feature a new rendition of a song from “High School Musical” as well as an original song.

Bassett will play the leading role of Ricky, a cynical but charming high school junior who launches a bold plan to win back his ex-girlfriend Nini — by auditioning to star opposite her in the school’s production of “High School Musical.”

“Joshua’s interpretation of the Ricky character was brilliant — funny, winning and, at the same time, uniquely vulnerable. The audience is going to love watching this charismatic young actor put his stamp on this next chapter of the ‘High School Musical’ franchise,” said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer at Disney Channels Worldwide.

Bassett, a native of Oceanside, California, is a 17-year-old actor, singer, dancer and guitarist who has been performing in musical theater productions since the age of 7. He has appeared in more than 30 productions and had a recurring role on Disney Channel’s “Stuck in the Middle.”

(SD-Agencies)