Memorably played by Lucas Grabeel in the first three instalments, the fan-favourite character was the theatre-obsessed twin brother of Sharpay Evans (Ashley Tisdale), and was known for his bubbly personality and stylish array of hats.
Although Ryan never came out on screen, fans have long speculated that he identified as gay – including lead star Vanessa Hudgens, who told GAY TIMES in 2018 that “Disney wasn’t ready” for LGBTQ+ representation at the time.
In a new interview with Variety, Ortega – who directed the entire trilogy – confirmed Ryan’s homosexuality, and said he didn’t come out as gay in the films because the team decided that he would “come out in college”. “It was less about coming out and just more about letting his true