Televisionista: Disney's "High School Musical 2" Cash Cow

Disney may not have initially anticipated what kind of a global phenomenon their original production "High School Musical" would turn into, but now that the sequel has premiered, the Mickey Mouse marketing engine is ready to turn this gem into even more dough.

As Hollywood press reports, the original movie was only one of the ten original movies slated to premiere on the Disney Channel in 2006 as a modern day "Grease" with a modest budget of $4,2 million.

After the film became a major hit seen by over 200 million people in over 100 countries around the world and its soundtrack turned into the best selling album of 2006, Disney knew the marketing for the big-budgeted sequel set in a ritzy country club would have to be very different.

A North American stage show adapted from the franchise opened on August 1, and an ice-skating show launches next month. But that's only the beginning, as over 100 products including video games, ring tones and backpacks will hit stores in 2007.

The New York Times said the movie was mediocre and the actors badly fake-tanned, and went on to say the movie had "haphazard charm." Oh, snap. But does anyone really give a damn? The sequel had been a guaranteed smash even before the premiere last night.

A third movie set in a haunted house should debut in 2008, possibly in movie theaters, where - as it appears - a franchise of the "High School Musical" caliber truly belongs.