Yup, you read that right. Gabriella Montez may have won your heart during your pre-teen years, but we definitely know that Sharpay Evans is not Gabriella’s greatest nemesis…or at least that is what the show tells us.
After 16 years of bantering on who’s the real villain in the musical film, Sharpay Evans—played by Ashley Tisdale—is finally having her redemption arc, or should I say, her start of something new as HSM fans defend her in the name of getting the story straightened out. But, hear me out, Gabriella Montez—played by Vanessa Hudgens who is currently in the Philippines to shoot for a travel documentary and was recently named Global Tourism Ambassador—is an amazing character. Well…with Troy, I don’t know.
Not to mention Sharpay’s chemistry with her brother Ryan, Gabriella and Troy's chemistry is just sensational because they fell in love with each other. But with Sharpay and Ryan, their chemistry comes from their passion for theater which is basically the whole goal of everyone in the film.
Here’s why I think Sharpay Evans is not the real villain in the story:
No One Loved Theater More Than Sharpay
It’s simply her life, career choice, and dream. There is nothing worse than having your dreams crushed just because the people around you are threatened by your presence and your vision. Sharpay even had reprise versions of songs, showing her versatility and musical prowess. What’s to hate about that? Maybe we should look at the angle where she only wanted to get what she deserved. The lead role.
Moreover, ambition is not a bad thing! Sharpay Evans is portrayed as a character with big dreams, a strong drive to succeed, and a desire to be in the spotlight. These are not inherently negative qualities, and they should not make her a villain.
Just because Troy and Gabriella can harmonize well doesn't automatically mean they have a free pass for everything. Sharpay had to go her own way (pun intended), to profess her love for theater.
Sharpay Didn’t Have Much Support From People
Troy and Gabriella may have had better songs, exposure, and support system, Sharpay had the best training and discipline albeit ambitious. Apart from the internalized pressure she feels to prove that she deserves to play the starring role, her worst enemy is herself and herself alone.
I think when I say this, we can all identify with Sharpay. Honest-to-God, we never felt like Gabriella nor we ever felt like Troy. We are all a bunch of Sharpays who are enamored by the fact that our success depends on how we fend for ourselves. I don’t get why she is painted as the bad guy when in fact she is the least supported in the film, the closest support she ever gets is from her dearest brother. Clearly, both Troy and Gabriella’s relationship saved them from being on the brink of being kicked out of the school’s ensemble.
Troy Bolton Just Can’t Pick A Struggle
What does he ever want? Basketball? Theater? Gabriella? He always seemed unfocused even in-practice with Ms. Darbus, and that shows lack of eagerness. Sure, he got the hang of theater or the lack thereof after the sequels of the film, but let’s be honest, unlike Sharpay, he has not arranged any musical piece to perform, from auditions to theater practices. I guess, his head is not yet in the game…I’m not saying that that is a requirement, but don’t you think that should be an example of a true theater enthusiast? Which was by the way taken away from Sharpay, ‘cause they focused on making her the monster.
Sharpay Has Always Stood Her Ground
Let’s face it, you may hate her strong personality, but she has always shown a great deal of her vision and gameplan, and that makes her oh, so fabulous!
I think at this point, we are led to be convinced that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel, and this is that light. Even the actress who played Sharpay agrees.
Finally, y’all are seeing the light https://t.co/46lZeF7xS6
— Ashley Tisdale (@ashleytisdale) September 16, 2019
The true villain is the system
Throughout the High School Musical series, there is a clear emphasis on the pressures and expectations placed on teenagers by the education system and society at large. Sharpay is just one character who is affected by this system, and she should not be blamed for trying to navigate it in her own way.
Debunking that Sharpay’s the villain just feels right, but this doesn’t mean that you are being forced to believe that Gabriella is the real villain. Maybe no one is, but admit it, Sharpay is just a normal girl who dearly loves theater. Redeeming her character is a win for every Sharpays who are portrayed as the ruin. Again, she is not the villain! And now’s finally the time for Sharpay to really bop to the top.
