AceShowbiz -

No doubt deeply satisfied with the phenomenal success of its made-for-television feature "High School Musical", Disney finally is set to give a big screen treatment to the hit project for sure.

Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group's president of production Oren Aviv announced yesterday, February 8, that the company will develop an all-new musical adventure movie under the title of "Haunted High School Musical" for a 2008 release.

"Given the enormous universal appeal and phenomenal popularity of the 'High School Musical' franchise, we wanted to bring that same energy, excitement and entertainment to the big screen with a unique and original idea," so Aviv stated. "We're now ready to transform 'High School Musical' into a memorable theatrical musical experience with 'Haunted High School Musical."

The original "Musical" first aired on Disney Channel on January 20, 2006 and instantly became one the highest rated original movies on the network, winning two Emmy Awards out of a total six nominations in the same year. Adding to its success, the soundtrack won a Billboard Music Award for Soundtrack of the Year while the book version, "High School Musical - The Novel", soared as #1 New York Times bestseller.