Yes, talks about "HSM4" have been ongoing for years. In 2016, Disney confirmed it had begun a nationwide search for a new set of Wildcats, hinting the original stars wouldn't be returning. The names of the new characters were announced shortly afterward. According to E! News, the film would center around five students at East High, including a soccer player named Erin, a bad boy named Derek, a cheerleader named Nathalie, a former queen bee named Tamara, and a soccer captain/theater star named Campbell, who's Sharpay and Ryan Evans's cousin.
Unfortunately, "HSM4" was never made, and it's unclear why. It's possible the idea was scrapped due to the original cast not returning or the trilogy's choreographer, Kenny Ortega, not being attached to the film.
A year after "HSM4" was first announced, Disney revealed it was developing a TV series based on the trilogy for its new streaming service. "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" arrived on Disney+ in November 2019. The first season focuses on a group of students at East High who are putting on a production of "High Sschool Musical." The series returned for a second season in 2021 and a third season in 2022. Its success, along with launch of Disney+, could have also contributed to "HSM4" not happening.
