Synopsis

Will Stronghold, the teenage son of two legendary superheroes, begins his freshman year at Sky High, an airborne school for super-powered students. Without powers of his own, he is assigned to the sidekick program and struggles with social pressure, family expectations, and a complicated romance. When a dangerous threat targets the school and his family, Will must discover his abilities and define what being a hero really means.

Factoids & Trivia

• The exterior of Sky High was filmed at the Oviatt Library on the campus of California State University, Northridge, in late 2004.

• Screenwriters Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle, creators of the animated series Kim Possible, were brought in to revise Paul Hernandez's earlier screenplay. Their experience writing capable teenage heroes helped shape the film's mix of superhero adventure and high school comedy.

• The film's superhero-school concept originated with Hernandez in the 1990s, before the project was shelved and later revived by Disney.

• The production emphasized practical effects, including wires, harnesses, physical stunts, and specially built sets, while using digital effects where necessary. The visual style was influenced by the colorful look of 1960s comic books.

• Lynda Carter's appearance as Principal Powers plays on her history as television's Wonder Woman, while Bruce Campbell, Cloris Leachman, and other genre performers contribute to the film's comic-book and science-fiction flavor.

• Kurt Russell's role marked his second Disney portrayal of a character with super strength. His earlier Disney part was Dexter Riley in The Strongest Man in the World.

• Disney considered expanding the story into a franchise. A proposed sequel was to be called Save U and would have followed the characters after graduation at a college called Save University.

• Although the film was positively received and earned more than its production budget, the sequel and a proposed television series were never produced. Over time, Sky High developed a cult following among viewers who appreciated its affectionate take on superhero conventions.