Madison Reyes Reveals Vanessa Hudgens’ Inspiration, Dream Season 2 Role, and The Power of ‘Julie and the Phantoms’

Madison Reyes, the undeniable star captivating audiences as the spirited Julie in Netflix’s hit series Julie and the Phantoms, has quickly become a name to remember in Hollywood. At just 16 years old, Reyes has not only commanded the screen with her incredible vocal talent and magnetic stage presence but has also brought a fresh, authentic perspective to a character that resonates deeply with viewers. The show, which premiered to critical acclaim, follows Julie, a high school student struggling with grief and her passion for music, whose life takes an extraordinary turn when she befriends three ghost musicians from the 1990s. The series blends heartwarming family drama, captivating musical numbers, and a touch of supernatural fantasy, creating a unique and uplifting experience. In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, Reyes opened up about the profound significance of this breakout role, her personal inspirations, and her hopes for the show’s future.

For Reyes, embodying Julie was more than just taking on a character; it was an opportunity to represent a community close to her heart. “She’s a very lovely character, but she’s a Latin American girl,” Madison shared with HollywoodLife, highlighting a crucial aspect of the role. “That was the first time that I’ve ever been given an audition opportunity where she was actually 100 percent Latin.” This representation struck a personal chord with the young actress, immediately making her think of her own family. “I just thought about my sister when I first heard of her because, if I got this, then she’ll have someone she can look up to who looks like her, who has the same ethnicity as her,” Reyes explained. Beyond the cultural connection, Julie’s authenticity and relatability resonated deeply. “But also just her realness and how she’s experiencing a lot of the things that everyday teenagers go through.”

Julie’s journey is multifaceted, grappling with universal teenage challenges alongside unique supernatural elements. Reyes delved into the layers of the character, noting, “I feel like her story was definitely unique with the aspects of the ghosts and the loss of her mom was definitely giving her some depth to her character and background that I feel like a lot of like kids and family shows don’t cover as much.” This depth, Madison believes, makes Julie a truly well-rounded and inspiring figure. “I felt that she was definitely well rounded, and she had a lot that people can look up to and take away from her,” she affirmed, emphasizing the character’s blend of vulnerability, strength, and unwavering passion for music.

The season 1 finale left fans eager for more, with the narrative expertly poised for a potential second season. Given that Julie and the Phantoms hails from the creative genius of director Kenny Ortega—the visionary behind Disney Channel’s iconic High School Musical franchise—it’s only natural to wonder about potential crossovers within the “Kenny Ortega universe.” HollywoodLife posed this exciting question to Madison: if she could bring anyone from Ortega’s past projects onto Julie and the Phantoms, who would it be? Without hesitation, her answer was the one and only Vanessa Hudgens, whose breakout role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical cemented her status as a global phenomenon.

Reyes’ admiration for Hudgens is palpable and deeply personal. “I’ve talked about Vanessa. She commented on my post, and I freaked out because she’s just so amazing. She’s so pretty,” Madison gushed. The idea of Hudgens joining the world of Julie and the Phantoms sparked exciting possibilities for Reyes. “I would love for her to maybe be a long lost family member or maybe a teacher,” she mused to HollywoodLife, envisioning a role that could directly acknowledge Hudgens’ own musical legacy. “That would be so dope if she was the teacher of the theater or something that corresponds to her being a part of High School Musical.” Such a casting choice would not only be a treat for fans but also a full-circle moment for Reyes, who considers Hudgens a pivotal inspiration. “I would love to meet her in person and just be like, ‘You definitely motivated me to become an actress and want to do the same thing as you being able to watch Gabriella.’” Madison recounted the profound impact Hudgens had on her artistic journey: “When I watched, I definitely wanted to perform like her. I wanted to be able to sing in the halls. I really felt like I was Gabriella in High School Musical in this.” This sentiment underscores the powerful generational influence of Ortega’s work and the enduring legacy of stars like Vanessa Hudgens, who continue to inspire emerging talent like Madison Reyes.

Expanding on the idea of Vanessa Hudgens joining the cast, one could imagine her playing a character with a deep connection to music or performance, perfectly aligning with her career trajectory and the show’s themes. Perhaps she could portray a charismatic new music professor at Julie’s school, challenging her creatively and offering guidance. Or, in a more dramatic twist, she could be a long-lost relative of Julie’s deceased mother, herself a talented musician, bringing new revelations about Julie’s family history and musical roots. This would not only provide a symbolic link to Hudgens’ own role as a high school singer but also weave her character organically into the emotional fabric of the series. The presence of such an iconic figure from the Ortega universe would undoubtedly elevate the show’s profile, delight fans of both franchises, and create a mentoring dynamic that could further Madison’s character development on screen.

Looking ahead to a potential season 2, Madison Reyes expressed a desire to enrich the narrative with more cultural depth and personal backstory. If the show secures another season, Madison would love to “bring in some more Latin culture” into the mix, further celebrating Julie’s heritage and offering more authentic representation. Beyond cultural elements, she also hopes to “get more background on her mom.” The loss of Julie’s mother is a central emotional anchor for the series, yet much about her life and personality remains an intriguing mystery. Reyes elaborated on this, stating, “It’s not touched upon, and I know it’s a very sensitive topic, but as the actress, it will be good to have a little bit more background and just learn what the relationship was like because we know that it was very deep.” Exploring Julie’s mother’s past could unlock new dimensions for Julie’s character, explaining her musical talent, her emotional resilience, and potentially even providing clues related to the ghosts’ unfinished business or the magical elements of the phantom band. Delving into the nuances of this profound mother-daughter bond would add significant emotional weight and narrative complexity, allowing the show to tackle themes of memory, legacy, and healing in an even more impactful way. This expansion could involve flashbacks, newly discovered diaries, or interactions with characters who knew Julie’s mother, all contributing to a richer understanding of Julie’s world and her journey.

For Madison, the entire experience of filming Julie and the Phantoms has been transformative, marking not just her debut role but also a significant chapter of personal growth. “This experience has just made me realize that it’s true that hard work does pay off,” Madison reflected, encapsulating the valuable lessons she’s learned. Her journey is a testament to perseverance and self-belief, echoing a message she hopes to impart to others. “It doesn’t matter what your ethnicity is or what your background is like, if you have what it takes and you’re a kind person and you’re working hard for something then good people will definitely get the good that they deserve.” This ethos has clearly become a guiding principle for the young star. “It’s definitely inspired me to continue doing what I’m doing and to continue pursuing my dreams. Nothing is impossible when you put your mind to it and you believe in yourself,” she confidently declared. Madison Reyes’s dedication, talent, and inspiring outlook suggest a bright future, regardless of what comes next for Julie and the Phantoms. Her role in the series has not only launched her career but has also empowered her with a profound sense of purpose and the belief that dreams are attainable through hard work and self-faith. As fans eagerly await news of a second season, Madison Reyes stands ready to continue her journey, embodying the very spirit of hope and determination that makes Julie and the Phantoms such a resonant and beloved show. Julie and the Phantoms is now streaming on Netflix.