Then, when he and Aria Brooks did their Zoom chemistry read for Libby and Nate, it was undeniable that these two would become best friends. There was a spark there he really inhabited this role in an unapologetic way. He sang a song from “Wicked,” and he was so unapologetic about that. We saw hundreds of boys - many really polished kids who’ve done all these TV shows, Rueby came in on Zoom. What was it about his audition that stood out to you? Let’s talk about your lead actor - you’ve discovered true talent in Rueby Wood. And I thought it was time, and I was really excited for audiences to meet a character like Nate leading a movie like this. I know - because I have this series on Disney plus - that you reach a big audience. But what I hadn’t seen is that unapologetic theater kid at the center of it. When I was growing up in the ’80s, and ’90s, I loved movies like “Ferris Bueller” and “Adventures in Babysitting” - these family movie nights.

What were you most excited about when it came to bringing your popular book to life? You’ve described this movie as a love letter to kids, and to theater kids in particular. Marvel Studios Denounces Anti-LGBTQ Legislation Amid Disney's Handling of 'Don't Say Gay' Billĭisney LGBTQ Employees Plan Walkouts in Response to Company's Handling of Florida 'Don't Say Gay' Billīob Chapek's Big Misstep: How Disney CEO's 'Don't Say Gay' Response Sparked Staff RevoltĪs the cast and crew gathered at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood Tuesday night to celebrate the film’s April 1 launch on Disney Plus, Federle spoke to Variety about the story’s discussion of sexuality, the importance of LGBTQ representation in entertainment and weighed in on the controversy over Disney’s handling of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Lisa Kudrow, Joshua Bassett, Aria Brooks and Broadway legends Michelle Federer and Norbert Leo Butz also star. The story follows 13-year-old Nate (newcomer Rueby Wood), an awkward, aspiring theater kid who can’t land a role in his school play, yet follows his dream from his hometown of Pittsburgh to audition on Broadway. “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series” creator Tim Federle makes his directorial debut with the film “ Better Nate Than Ever,” adapted from his award-winning book by the same name.

Better nate than ever book series