Corbin Bleu and Lucas Grabeel finally address their iconic outfit swap in High School Musical 2!
After the unforgettable “I Don’t Dance” number—where Chad, played by Bleu, does everything but convince us he can’t dance—fans spotted a playful twist: Chad and Ryan swapped clothes!
Since the movie’s release in 2007, fans have dissected the scene, fueling theories that the two were secretly in love. Now, in a recent interview with ETalkCTV, Bleu and Grabeel are setting the record straight once and for all.
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“People come up to us and ask, ‘Why was the outfit swap in ‘I Don’t Dance’ so symbolic?’” The two go on to joke about the theories and ultimately say the decision came down to director Kenny Ortega.
The fact that “I Don’t Dance” already within the lyrics has so much innuendo, I think that was just the nail in the coffin,” Bleu said.
“The line in the sand was drawn, and we were just messing it up,” Grabeel added.
Ryan’s Sexuality
Ryan Evans, known for his flashy personality and great fashion sense, quickly became a fan favorite in the original High School Musical movies. His lively character and love for theater made him stand out, even if his sexuality was never clearly stated in the first 3 films.
Over the years, fans have come up with various theories about Ryan’s sexuality, discussing them in online forums and social media. These theories were fueled by the subtext in the films and the hope that one day, Ryan’s true self would be acknowledged.
In a big moment for fans of the High School Musical series, the fourth season of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series has confirmed what many have long suspected: Ryan Evans is gay. This news comes as Ryan, played by Lucas Grabeel, shares a kiss with another man, finally ending years of speculation.
Why This Matters
This confirmation is not just a win for fans who have been hoping for Ryan’s true self to be acknowledged; it is a big step forward for LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. It shows how attitudes towards inclusivity are changing and the importance of diverse stories in family-friendly entertainment.
Ortega Said Ryan Was Always Gay
Kenny Ortega, the director of the original High School Musical films, has said that he always intended for Ryan to be gay. However, he felt that Disney might not have been ready to show a gay character at that time openly. Instead, Ortega made subtle choices to hint at Ryan’s sexuality, hoping that the audience would understand. So, really, he knew what he was doing with that outfit swap!
Grabeel has been a strong supporter of the character’s development. He has said that he wished Ryan had been played by a gay actor to provide more authentic representation.
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