Lucas Grabeel talks Ryan Evans
High School Musical's Lucas Grabeel has said he doesn't know if he'd take on the role of Ryan Evans if it was made today.
It follows director Kenny Ortega's revelation last week that the character is gay.
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Speaking to TMZ, Grabeel revealed that while he'd love to take on the role, he's not sure he would.
He explained, "As a straight white man, I know that even without trying, I have taken opportunities away from other people."
"There’s so many amazingly talented gay actors that could do it as well."
Grabeel continued, "So if High School Musical was made today, I don’t know if I would play Ryan."
"I would love to, but the last thing I want to do is take an opportunity away from other people."
The actor admitted he spoke to Ortega about his character's sexual orientation while filming High School Musical.
The director told him at the time that it was a touchy subject and he wasn't sure Disney was ready to cross that line.
Ortega also told Grabeel that he feels this is a great opportunity, "to showcase a real person."
"And something that a lot of kids go through and don't often see portrayed on television."
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Read what Ortega had to say here.
