While “High school musical” predates “Camp Rock” on the Disney Channel, Demi Lovato clarified that there has never been any hostility or competition between the two groups.
Demi Lovato was the mainstay of the “Camp Rock” franchise in 2008 and 2010, arriving two years after “High School Musical” launched a cultural phenomenon that included a record-breaking theatrical sequel.
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Demi Lovato Opens Up About ‘Camp Rock’ and ‘High School Musical’ Cast Rivalries
In a conversation with PEOPLE, Lovato — who is currently collaborating with “HSM” alum Vanessa Hudgens on a special project — addressed long-standing rumors of a rivalry between the two musical acts.
“I don’t think so,” she said. “If anything, I think everyone at Camp Rock really had a lot of respect and, if anything, admired the people who were in High School Musical because they kind of paved the way for musicals on the Disney Channel.”
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Demi Lovato returns to Disney for ‘Camp Rock 3,’ but not in the way some observers might expect
The enduring legacy of the original films prompted Disney to greenlight a third installment, scheduled to premiere in summer 2026.
According to an official press release, the film will follow Nick, Kevin and Joe Jonas as they return to Camp Rock to find the next group of talented superstars.
“As the campers compete for the opportunity to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations and romances,” reads the film’s synopsis.
While Lovato is involved in the project, the multi-hyphenate operates exclusively behind the scenes in her capacity as executive producer.
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Will Demi Lovato make at least one appearance in the upcoming ‘Camp Rock’ movie?
But can there really be another “Camp Rock” movie without Lovato’s character, “Mitchie”? Director Veronica Rodriguez maintains that her presence is essential.
“You can’t really talk about Camp Rock or have a movie about Camp Rock without referencing it,” she told Entertainment Weekly. However, she did not confirm whether the “Sonny With a Chance” singer would appear in the film.
Rodriguez emphasized that the third film is a “continuation of the story we know and love”, focusing on the fictional group of Jonas brothers and the evolving relationship between Shane and Mitchie.
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“I can’t spoil anything. What I will say is that people should be excited to see some OG characters. You should feel all those nostalgic vibes. We tried to include as many things as possible in this movie, iconic sets, the Jonas Brothers in Connect 3, and even Connie. [Maria Canals-Barrera]Mitchie’s mother, has a bigger role in this film,” she said.
“So Mitchie is very much a character in this movie, in this world, and we should feel for her, for sure, because she’s iconic and beloved and part of the legacy of Camp Rock,” she added.
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‘High School Musical’ Stars Revisit the Franchise After 20 Years
Speaking of Disney’s legacy, “High School Musical” director Kenny Ortega discussed the franchise’s legacy during an interview with PEOPLE ahead of the film’s 20th anniversary.
He reflected on a specific moment from the finale of the original production, saying, “I took my eyes off the monitor and just looked at the whole room and thought, ‘My God, if Disney Marketing does the job that we’re doing in this room today, we have a heavy hitter.’ » »
And that’s what they did. The first film was watched by 7.7 million viewers, while the second garnered 17.2 million.
Zac Efron also spoke about his tenure with the franchise, sharing his deep gratitude for the role that launched his career.
“We were having fun, learning as we went, and honestly enjoying every moment together. I could never have imagined that it would still mean so much to people 20 years later, or that a whole new generation would connect with it, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.
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Who else is celebrating 20 years on Disney Channel?
Efron and the “High School Musical” crew aren’t the only ones celebrating a milestone, according to The Blast.
Miley Cyrus is also returning to Disney to appear in “Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary Special.”
The event, which will air on March 24, will feature iconic relics from the show’s history, revisiting the Stewart family’s famous closet and living room. Additionally, fans will also be treated to special performances of the biggest hits from the fictional popstar’s discography.
“‘Hannah Montana’ allowed many fans to dream big, sing loud and embrace all facets of themselves, which is why her legacy continues to shine through the generations,” Davis said. “Partnering with Miley for this special is a dream, and we want it to be a love letter to fans, who remain as passionate today as they were when the series debuted nearly 20 years ago.”
