High School Musical star Lucas Grabeel 'doesn't know' if he would play Ryan today
High School Musical star Lucas Grabeel has said that he doesn't know if he would play his character Ryan Evans today.
The actor appeared in all three High School Musical films and even made a cameo appearance as himself in the Disney+ High School Musical: The Musical: The Series.
But, speaking after High School Musical director Kenny Ortega confirmed Ryan was gay and would have "come out in college", Lucas has revealed he's uncertain he would play Ryan today – because as a straight white man, he may be taking away the opportunity from a gay actor.
Related: Original High School Musical star Lucas Grabeel addresses Ryan's sexuality after Disney+ return
"If High School Musical was made today, I don't know if I would play Ryan," he told TMZ. "I would love to, but I just don't know.
"The last thing that I want to do is take something away, take an opportunity away from other people, and as a straight white man, I know that even without trying I've taken opportunities away from people.
"There's so many amazingly talented gay actors that could do it as well."
Ryan's comments follow director Kenny Ortega explaining why he didn't confirm Ryan's sexuality in the trilogy, instead having him date pianist Kelsi Nielsen in the final instalment.
He told Variety: "I was concerned because it was family and kids, that Disney might not be ready to cross that line and move into that territory yet.
"So I just took it upon myself to make choices that I felt that those who were watching would grab.
"They would see it, they would feel it, they would know it and they would identify with it."
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