We can already tell that High School Musical: The Musical: The Series [1] is going to be bigger and better than ever in season two. Following the season one premiere in November 2019, the Disney+ show has gained a huge following for its incredible performances [2], original music, and talented stars. While the first season was all about the students of East High putting on High School Musical [3], the show is switching things up this season with a production of Beauty and the Beast [4]. But don't worry, there is still plenty of drama in store. In addition to the introduction of East High's rival school, North High, there are a handful of new stars joining the cast to shake things up. See the full cast list ahead before the new season premieres in May [5].
Joshua Bassett as Ricky
The singer will return as Ricky in season two. Bassett is also set to write more original music for the show.
Olivia Rodrigo as Nini
Despite the cliffhanger ending with her character getting accepted into a performing arts school, the singer will be back as Nini this season. In addition to Bassett, Rodrigo will be writing original music for the show.
Sofia Wylie as Gina
Wylie will be back as the talented dancer, Gina, next season.
Matt Cornett as EJ
The actor will return as the lovable jock, EJ, next season.
Frankie A. Rodriguez as Carlos
Rodriguez will be back as Carlos in season two.
Julia Lester as Ashlyn
Lester will reprise her role as Ashlyn in season two.
Larry Saperstein as Big Red
Saperstein will be back as Big Red in season two.
Mark St. Cyr as Mr. Mazzara
Expect to see more of Mr. Mazzara in season two.
Kate Reinders as Miss Jenn
Reinders will be back as the East High drama teacher in season two.
Dara Reneé as Kourtney
Reneé will return as Kourtney next season.
Joe Serafini as Seb
Serafini will be back as Seb in season two.
Derek Hough as Zack
The Dancing With the Stars [7] alum will play the ex-boyfriend of Miss Jenn [8] (Kate Reinders) and the drama teacher at East High's rival school, North High.
Asher Angel as Jack
The Shazam! actor will play a character named Jack [9], who is described as a "charming, smooth-talking student with wanderlust." Fun fact: his appearance on HSMTMTS will double as a mini Andi Mack reunion with Sofia Wylie!
Roman Banks as Howie
The Broadway star will play Howie [10], a "hyper-smart, adorkable" junior who works at Big Red's family pizza shop. His character is named after the late Howard Ashman, who wrote songs for Beauty and the Beast alongside Alan Menken.
Andrew Barth Feldman as Antoine
The former Dear Evan Hansen star will play an exchange student named Antoine [11].
Olivia Rose Keegan as Lily
The Days of Our Lives actress will play Lily [12], who is described as "an energetic and adorable East High freshman whose sweetness masks her insecurity and highly competitive nature."