Tim Federle, the showrunner of High School Musical: The Musical: The Series (HSMTMTS), has stated in an interview that he does not want to bring Olivia Rodrigo back to the show for season 3 if it “gets in the way” of her success and fame as a singer-songwriter.
“High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” is a Disney series.
Olivia Rodrigo plays the role of Nini, the central female character in the show. HSMTMTS premiered its first season in 2019, and season 2 just concluded in July 2021. At the end of season 1, Nini had the opportunity to leave the high school musical stage, and at the end of season 2, she had the chance to pursue a professional music career.
Interestingly, Nini’s character’s story has many similarities to Olivia Rodrigo’s real life. Throughout the airing of season 2 of HSMTMTS, Olivia Rodrigo had to balance her rising fame with her personal life. This included her relationship with Joshua Bassett, the actor who plays Ricky, Nini’s boyfriend in the show, and the rumors and speculation about their relationship off-screen.
Olivia Rodrigo portrays the central female character, Nini.
In real life, her single “drivers license” gained overnight fame and propelled Olivia Rodrigo to new heights. Her debut album, “Sour,” debuted at No.1 on the Billboard 200, making it one of the most impressive and successful debuts of the year. In the show, Nini’s song “The Rose Song,” after being posted on Instagram by someone, also became famous and led her to a crucial turning point in her career.
Interestingly, Tim Federle revealed that Nini’s storyline was conceived months before the success of “drivers license.”
Nini has the opportunity to pursue a professional music career, just as Olivia Rodrigo is making impressive strides in her solo career.
Season 2 ended with a significant surprise as Nini and Ricky tearfully broke up, despite all they had been through to be together in season 1. Many viewers are curious about what will happen in season 3: Will Nini and Ricky get back together, or will Nini pursue her own path, just as Olivia is doing?
There is no official confirmation for a third season, although Federle mentioned that there are “a lot of stories” he wants to tell if the show continues. But will Olivia Rodrigo’s new music career affect season 3? Will she still play the lead role of Nini? These are questions that everyone is interested in.
Nini and Ricky broke up at the end of season 2.
“Olivia is experiencing a level of success, fame, and opportunity that I never want to get in the way of,” Tim Federle said. “I want the show to be successful, but the actors that make up the show are more important to me than the product.”
He expressed that it’s hard to imagine HSMTMTS without Olivia, but he wants her to be happy. If the show’s success and Olivia Rodrigo’s fame become obstacles, he does not want her to return for season 3.
