From L: Lucas Grabeel, Kaycee Stroh, Monique Coleman and Corbin Bleu.Photo:Disney+
Disney+
Ryan Evans is out and proud!
In the clip, released Tuesday, Ryan — one half of the popular Evans twins from the franchise — is seen kissing a man backstage after performing with fellow East High School alums Taylor McKessie (Monique Coleman), Chad Danforth (Corbin Bleu) and Martha Cox (Kaycee Stroh).
“You look amazing, this is so cool!” the new character says to Ryan before the latter replies, “This means so much to me that you are here."
“I love you,” the man says before they share a kiss.
“Gimme that mic,” Ryan then adds playfully, before going back onstage.
Ryan Evans confirms his sexuality in newHSMTMTSclip.Disney+
Ryan’s appearance in the final season ofHSMTMTScomes after he appeared in season 1 of the series for one episode following his debut in Disney’sHigh School Musicalfilm trilogy, from 2006 to 2008.
DirectorKenny Ortegapreviously spoke about shielding Ryan’s sexuality in the movies, admitting he was “concerned” about Disney’s and audiences’ reaction at the time.
“I was concerned because it was family and kids, that Disney might not be ready to cross that line and move into that territory yet,” Ortega, 73, toldVarietyin 2020. “So, I just took it upon myself to make choices that I felt that those who were watching would grab."
He added, “They would see it, they would feel it, they would know it and they would identify with it. And that is what happened.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories
When PEOPLE visited theHSMTMTSset last year, several stars teased that this season feels like a “full-circle” moment as manyOGHigh School Musicalstars make cameos.
As well as OG stars, the latest cast also includesJoshua Bassett(Ricky),Sofia Wylie(Gina),Julia Lester(Ashlyn),Dara Reneé(Kourtney),Frankie Rodriguez(Carlos),Joe Serafini(Seb),Liamani Segura(Emmy) and more.
Season 4 ofHSMTMTSpremieres Aug. 9 on Disney+.
source: people.com
