Olivia Rodrigo Appears in "HSMTMTS" Season 3, but Will She Return in the Future?

"High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" is back for a third season, and the East High Wildcats are relocating to Camp Shallow Lake in California for an unforgettable summer. And what does that entail? Oh, just singing, dancing, and giving another performance of a lifetime, of course.

Since season three's July 27 premiere, there's been a lot of chatter among fans who are wondering about the future of Olivia Rodrigo's beloved character, Nini. But have no fear, showrunner Tim Federle knows viewers are concerned and spoke to Entertainment Weekly to elaborate on Rodrigo's now-recurring role in season three and beyond. Though he originally told the outlet that the spinoff would give Rodrigo a "proper sendoff" in season three, her exit from the show is a bit more complex.

When asked if Rodrigo will return next season, Federle said, "It's so funny, we are early enough in the season 4 writers' room that I'd be lying if I told you I had an exactly right answer for that." He added: "I would never say never to Olivia, and I would never use the word 'last' . . . But yeah, I think it's probably a fairly safe bet to say that, for now, we have so many cast members who we love and who we're serving, that I think there's no immediate plans for Nini to be a huge part of the show going forward."

This season of "HSMTMTS," the Wildcats are preparing a production of "Frozen." Keep reading to find out who's joined the show for its third season and what familiar faces you might spot on the small screen.

01
Olivia Rodrigo as Nini
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Olivia Rodrigo as Nini

Olivia Rodrigo reprises her role as Nini in season three, despite rumors that the Grammy-winning pop star wouldn't be a part of the show due to her musical success. Her character is ready to take on the stage yet again this season, as it was previously confirmed by Deadline that Nini has solo performances this time around. But what else is in store for Nini?

When we last saw her in season two, she was gearing up to launch her music career. She also reconciled with Ricky (Joshua Bassett) as the two slowly became friends. Fans hope to see Nini take off in the music sphere this season, and they're definitely interested in knowing where her dating life goes. But in that July interview with Entertainment Weekly, Federle said that the series wanted to avoid pursuing a viral music storyline that "felt too on the nose" for Nini and Rodrigo's real-life career.

02
Joshua Bassett as Ricky
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Joshua Bassett as Ricky

Joshua Bassett returns in season three as Ricky. While he isn't necessarily Nini's love interest anymore, that doesn't mean the two can't be friends. Ricky has landed some major roles in the East High drama productions — I mean, he played Troy Bolton and the Beast in season one and two, respectively. Now, Ricky is no longer a stranger to the stage, and he'll most likely be cast in another huge role in the Leopards' upcoming production of "Frozen."

03
Matt Cornett as EJ
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Matt Cornett as EJ

Matt Cornett returns for the third time as everyone's favorite theater-jock, EJ. EJ sometimes gets a bad rep, since he doesn't often show his softer, more emotional side. In season two, however, viewers come to understand that, deep down, he's a good person. If he were as self-centered as we'd originally thought, he wouldn't have bought Gina a plane ticket so she wouldn't have to miss their show. We'll likely see more character development as season three progresses, and we may even see some more onscreen sparks between him and Nini, too.

04
Sofia Wylie as Gina
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Sofia Wylie as Gina

Gina Porter, played by Sofia Wylie, is back for season three, and we can't wait to watch her character blossom even more. When we're first introduced to Gina, she comes off as super reserved. However, as we get to know her character more, we come to understand that she's only that way because she's used to moving around and not having a permanent home. In season three, Gina will likely strengthen her roots at East High and her connection with Ricky, who seems to be the person she most trusts.

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Julia Lester as Ashlyn
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Julia Lester as Ashlyn

Ashlyn, played by Julia Lester, has proven to be an incredibly kind and determined student at East High. Her passion for singing and performing is unparalleled, and her talent is highlighted again in season three. At the end of season two, Ashlyn finally comes out of her shell. No longer just "EJ's cousin," she's now a confident teen in her own right. That's especially apparent when she kisses Big Red. Where will their relationship head in season three? Guess we'll have to watch to find out!

06
Dara Reneé as Kourtney
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Dara Reneé as Kourtney

Kourtney, played by Dara Reneé, is back as Nini's partner in crime. While she's involved with the theater department, she's always there when Nini needs a shoulder to lean on. With previous roles in ABC's "Black-ish" and the "Freaky Friday" reboot, Reneé is no stranger to the small screen. We're excited to see how her role progresses in season three.

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Frankie Rodriguez as Carlos
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Frankie Rodriguez as Carlos

Frankie Rodriguez will return in season three as Carlos. While he may not be serving as Miss Jenn's right-hand man this season, he'll definitely be involved in the Wildcats' production of "Frozen" in one way or another. His determination to be the best showrunner East High has ever seen will keep him motivated, and his friends will continue to encourage him along the way.

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Kate Reinders as Ms. Jenn
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Kate Reinders as Ms. Jenn

I have one word for Miss Jenn: legendary. I mean, who else would put on the best production of "Beauty and the Beast" ever done by a high school just to take down her ex-boyfriend, who just happens to be the drama teacher at East High's rival school, North High? Kate Reinders returns as Miss Jenn, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for the Wildcats theater group this season.

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Olivia Rose Keegan as Lily
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Olivia Rose Keegan as Lily

Don't let the sweetheart act fool you. When it comes to acting, Lily (Olivia Rose Keegan) does not come to play. Introduced last season, Lily returns in season three and is ready to take on Camp Shallow Lake with the rest of her fellow Wildcats.

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Corbin Bleu as Himself
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Corbin Bleu as Himself

"High School Musical" alum Corbin Bleu (he starred in the original film trilogy as Troy Bolton's best friend, Chad Danforth) will make his highly-anticipated return to the franchise in season three — this time, playing himself. Bleu will offer advice to the Wildcats and serve as a mentor to the team.

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Jason Earles as Dewey Wood
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Jason Earles as Dewey Wood

"Hannah Montana" star Jason Earles is joining the "HSMTMTS" cast as Dewey Wood, director of Camp Shallow Lake. It'll be interesting to see Earles as an authority figure after his past funny-sidekick roles.

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Adrian Lyles as Jet

Adrian Lyles may be new to the "HSMTMTS" scene, but he's already made a name for himself in the music industry. In season three, he's introduced as Jet, a mysterious guy hanging around Camp Shallow Lake. We'll have to wait to see what's in store for Jet, but for now, I'll be listening to his cover of "Stay" by Rihanna.

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Saylor Bell as Maddox

Maddox, played by Saylor Bell, is described as Camp Shallow Lake's "rule-following techie," Elite Daily reported. She'll likely play a major role behind the scenes in the "Frozen" production.

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Meg Donnelly as Val
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Meg Donnelly as Val

"Zombies" star Meg Donnelly appears in season three as Val, a "confident and funny college student and a longtime camper-turned-counselor-in-training, who is ready to choreograph the summer production of 'Frozen,'" the series shared.