The little movie franchise that could hit the big screen this weekend with "High School Musical 3: Senior Year," and was a worldwide smash. The movie led the box-office race both in the United States ($42 million) and internationally ($40 million).

With that much money involved, the benefits flow to many. Here's who gains from the success of "High School Musical":

The Walt Disney Company » Duh. The Mouse House - as Daily Variety, Hollywood's trade paper, calls the company - has milked this cash cow every way possible: DVDs, soundtrack CDs, clothing, toys, merchandise and a touring theater production. And, with a "High School Musical 4" on the development slate (with the new freshmen characters introduced in "HSM3"), the hits will just keep on coming.

Utah's film industry » A movie filmed primarily in Utah has never had a bigger opening (unless you count "Independence Day," filmed partly on the Bonneville Salt Flats, which made $50.2 million). Millions of people saw the beautiful Wasatch Mountains behind Troy and Gabriella as they danced on the East High roof. The movie's success also bolsters the Utah Film Commission's case to improve the state's incentive program for movie production.

East High School » The Salt Lake City school where the movies were filmed has become a major tourist destination, rivaling Temple Square and the state Capitol. The school's PTA has sold $30,000 in "original East High" merchandise, with proceeds funneled into student reading programs, according to The Salt Lake Tribune's Ben Fulton.

Other teen-themed movies » Hollywood always wants to repeat its successes, and studios will look to "HSM3" for marketing inspiration. Kim Voynar, writing on her "Film Essent" blog on the industry website Movie City News, opines that the first movie to take advantage will be "Twilight," the vampire romance based on Stephenie Meyer's best-selling book (opening Nov. 21). "Assuming 'Twilight' is able to draw in 'High School Musical'-level numbers from the tweens and teens who are obsessed with all-things-'Twilight,' that, combined with the older female fanbase, could very easily see the film kick off with a $50 million-plus opening weekend," Voynar wrote.

The stars » These actors can write their own ticket now. Zac Efron will be a marquee star, especially if he takes the "Footloose" remake being prepped by "HSM" director Kenny Ortega. Ashley Tisdale, aka Sharpay, is a sharp comedienne who should get her own sitcom.

vulture@sltrib.com