Disney is getting its head back in the game in Utah with a new 'High School Musical' TV series

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SALT LAKE CITY — “High School Musical” bopped to the top of Disney fans’ minds after it was shot in Salt Lake City more than a decade ago.

Next year, the iconic franchise will return to Utah, as Disney plans to film the start of something new.

Production on a ten-episode series titled “High School Musical: The Musical” is scheduled to begin in Salt Lake City early next year with a budget of more than $14 million, Utah Film Commission officials said in an emailed statement.

The show will eventually debut on Disney’s upcoming streaming service, officials said.

“Visitors still make special trips to Utah to see where ‘High School Musical’ was filmed and we’re incredibly proud of its resonating impact with generations of young people,” Utah Film Commission Director Virginia Pearce said. “We’re thrilled to introduce a fresh take on this classic story and continue to support Disney’s production here in Utah.”

“High School Musical: The Musical” is being billed as a fresh take on the franchise that will follow a group of East High students who stage a version of “High School Musical,” according to the Utah Film Commission.

However, the documentary-style show will reveal that just as much drama happens offstage.

The Utah Governor’s Office of Economic Development board approved the project Thursday, according to the statement.

Disney Channel will get a state film incentive to shoot the series in Utah. Officials did not provide any other details about the incentive.

Disney has filmed more than 40 projects in Utah over the last 20 years, the commission said.

“We're looking forward to continuing our work with Utah's film commission and with the state's outstanding production crews, facilities and incentive program which have contributed to high quality content for kids and families,” Disney Channels Worldwide Executive Vice President of Network Production Management and Operations said in the statement.