'High School Musical 4' news, updates, rumors: Corbin Bleu to return as a basketball coach?

Corbin Bleu (R) as he appeared with Zac Efron (L) in High School MusicalDisney

"High School Musical 4" is set to have a brand new cast of characters, but this has not stopped fans from speculating who among the original team may be coming back. New rumors suggest that Corbin Bleu could be coming back for a small role, presumably to portray the school's basketball coach.

Speculations began back in May when a report from Entertainment Weekly revealed Bleu had been the only member of the original cast to attend the auditions for the new film, and during this time, he reportedly gave a short pep talk to the new cast to prepare them for the role and to live up to the legacy of the original trilogy.

It has been previously reported that both Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron are rumored to be coming back given that they may have set aside their differences following their break-up a few years back. However, neither actor has given confirmation that they are indeed returning. Ashley Tisdale has come out to confirm she is not doing a cameo for the fourth film.

With only Corbin Bleu actively interacting with the new cast and the studios, it has sparked rumors he will be appearing in the movie. Yibada points out he is likely going to play the basketball coach, a position that is also rumored to be filled by Efron if the latter indeed reprises his role, along with his love interest played by Hudgens.

Bleu has yet to address the rumors. Back when the movie was announced and revealed that it'll feature a new cast, Disney did state that none of the original cast members would be coming back, hinting that even Bleu's involvement is limited to simply giving support to the new cast.

Disney has yet to announce an official release date for "High School Musical 4," although it is speculated to premiere sometime in 2017.