Thread by @Variety

In honor of #HighSchoolMusical turning 15, Variety takes a look back at the humble origins of Disney’s billion-dollar franchise. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

In the early 2000s, Kenny Ortega was looking to direct an “under the radar” TV movie that would allow him to quietly flex his filmmaking chops. A Disney Channel Original Movie with the working title “Untitled High School Musical Project” caught his eye. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

For all of #HighSchoolMusical’s runaway success and enduring popularity, Disney executives weren’t initially confident in the movie and felt they were taking a big risk by giving it a $4.2 million budget. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

#HSM didn’t just launch the careers of Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens and more. It became a financial juggernaut for Disney. First, there was the merch. Then came a sold-out tour, traveling ice shows, touring stage productions, and a show at Disney parks. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

So how did it come to be? Peter Barsocchini, the film’s screenwriter, admits to borrowing the concept of star-crossed lovers: “We did what everyone does when you need an idea,” Barsocchini says with a laugh. “You rip off Shakespeare.” bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Yet the backstory was heavily inspired by his upbringing at an all-boys Catholic school. One day, the star athlete confided in Barsocchini. “I’m going to tell you something, and if you tell anyone, I’ll kill you. I always wanted to be a ballet dancer.” bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

#HSM heads know that story was the influence behind Troy Bolton. Other tidbits from Barsocchini’s life were also included, like the name of his daughter, Gabriella. Sharpay, meanwhile, was named after a dog that attacked him. “Seems nice, but bites." bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Few details were changed from the script, but Disney originally wanted the film set in middle school: “Middle School Musical” bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

#HighSchoolMusical casting directors embarked on a mission to find their Troy and Gabriella. "We ran auditions as if we were doing a Broadway musical. We put the kids through a really long process," says Ortega. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

The casting process took around two months. Some were eliminated immediately because they couldn’t sing. Others, like Zac Efron, Drew Seeley, and Hunter Parrish, moved to the top of the pack as potential Troys. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

The part of Troy’s best friend Chad went to Corbin Bleu, who originally auditioned for Ryan. Meanwhile the 20-year-old Lucas Grabeel, who previously starred in #HalloweentownHigh, initially read for Troy. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Efron had plenty of charisma and charm, but internally there was concern about his vocal prowess. “They didn’t think his voice was as strong as it needed to be,” the casting director, recalls. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

“When we first met Zac, we felt he had the quality of what we’d call a matinee idol. He was stunning, but he wasn’t cocky, which isn’t something you’d find in young people. He had an accessibility. We knew he had the capability of being a leading man." bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Vanessa Hudgens had an “It” factor that made her perfect to portray Gabriella, a bookish and beautiful brainiac who fears of being known as the school’s “freaky genius girl.” bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

The casting directors knew Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens had undeniable chemistry. The only issue? Hudgens was nervous to act opposite Efron. "She was so smitten. She said, ‘He’s too cute. I can’t read with him.’ She had a meltdown." bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Troy and Gabriella don’t kiss until the end of the sequel, However, Efron and Hudgens, who ultimately started dating in real life, were yearning for some onscreen action. “There was something going on with those two youngsters,” Ortega remembers. bit.ly/2Y4xd1P

Ortega says maybe it’s for the better that another #HighSchoolMusical film hasn’t happened. He’s a fan of “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” but making another movie set at East High “isn’t in my thinking.” bit.ly/2Y4xd1P