The sibling rivalry between Ashley and Lucas was palpable both on and off the screen, particularly in the initial stages of their collaboration. During a candid video discussion on her YouTube channel, Ashley openly shared, “We were not close. We were not good friends…we hated each other.” This admission sheds light on the challenges they faced starting out. Lucas echoed her sentiments, noting that their relationship “didn’t get off on the best foot” while filming the first movie. However, as the project progressed, their connection deepened, and they eventually transformed into close friends. This evolution from rivalry to friendship is a testament to the transformative power of shared experiences in the entertainment industry, making their bond all the more fabulous!

In a revealing interview with Buzzfeed, Lucas shared his proactive approach towards representing Ryan’s sexuality in the film, emphasizing the importance of authenticity. He recalled his conversation with Kenny Ortega, stating, “After reading the script, the first thing I said to Kenny was, ‘OK, Kenny, Ryan’s gay, right? I know it’s Disney Channel so I’m not really gonna be gay, but I mean, yeah, right?’” This moment illustrates Lucas’s commitment to creating a genuine character. Kenny responded by encouraging Lucas to view Ryan through a broader lens, highlighting qualities such as being young, artistic, and passionate about theater. Lucas reflected on their conversation, revealing, “He talked to me about his own life and he was like, ‘I see a lot of myself in Ryan. Yeah, I knew I was gay in high school, but I didn’t tell anybody.’” This insightful dialogue underscores the necessity of realistic representation in media and the impact it can have on young audiences.