Demi Lovato Discusses Rivalary Between ‘HSM’ And ‘Camp Rock’

While “High School Musical” predated “Camp Rock” on Disney Channel, Demi Lovato clarified that there was never any hostility or competition between the 2 ensembles.

Demi Lovato anchored 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.

In a conversation with PEOPLE, Lovato—who’s currently collaborating with “HSM” alum Vanessa Hudgens on a special project—addressed the long-standing rumors of a rivalry between the 2 musical casts.

“I do not think so,” she said. “If anything, I feel everyone from Camp Rock really had a number of respect and, if anything, looked as much as the folks that were within the High School Musical because they type of paved the way in which for musicals on the Disney Channel.”

The enduring legacy of the unique movies prompted Disney to greenlight a 3rd installment, slated to premiere in the summertime of 2026.

In response to an official press release, the film will follow Nick, Kevin, and Joe Jonas as they return to Camp Rock to search out the following group of talented superstars.

“As campers vie for the possibility to open for his or her favorite band, tensions rise, and friendships are tested, resulting in unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances,” the film’s synopsis reads.

While Lovato is involved within the project, the multi-hyphenate is working exclusively behind the scenes in her capability as an executive producer.

But can there really be one other “Camp Rock” movie without Lovato’s character, “Mitchie”? Director Veronica Rodriguez maintains that her presence is crucial.

“You may’t really discuss Camp Rock or have a Camp Rock movie without referencing her,” she told Entertainment Weekly. Nevertheless, she would not confirm whether the “Sonny With a Likelihood” performer would seem within the film.

Rodriguez emphasized that the third film serves as a “continuation of the story we all know and love,” specializing in the Jonas brothers’ fictional band and the evolution of Shane and Mitchie’s relationship.

“I am unable to spoil anything. What I’ll say is that folks ought to be excited to see some OG characters. You need to feel all of those nostalgic vibes. We tried to place in as many things as we are able to into this movie, some iconic set pieces, the Jonas Brothers as Connect 3, and even Connie [Maria Canals-Barrera], Mitchie’s mom, has an even bigger role on this movie,” she said.

“So Mitchie may be very much a personality on this movie, on this world, and we must always feel her, of course, because she’s iconic and beloved and is part of the Camp Rock legacy,” she added.

Speaking of Disney legacies, “High School Musical” director Kenny Ortega discussed the franchise’s legacy during an interview with PEOPLE ahead of the movie’s twentieth anniversary.

He revisited a selected moment from the unique production’s finale, saying, “I took my eyes off the monitor and just took within the scope of the entire room and I believed, ‘My God, if Disney Marketing does the job that we’re doing on this room today, now we have a juggernaut.'”

And that they did. The primary movie was watched by 7.7 million viewers, while the second earned 17.2 million.

Zac Efron also reflected on his tenure with the franchise, sharing his profound gratitude for the role that launched his profession.

“We were having fun, learning as we went, and truthfully just having fun with every moment together. I never could’ve imagined it might still mean a lot to people 20 years later, or that a complete latest generation would connect with it, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.

Efron and the “High School Musical” crew aren’t the one ones celebrating a serious milestone, in line with The Blast.

Miley Cyrus can also be returning to Disney to seem within the “Hannah Montana: twentieth Anniversary Special.”

The event, set to air March 24, will showcase iconic relics of the series’ history, revisiting the famous closet and the Stewart family lounge. Moreover, fans may additionally be treated to special performances of the most important hits from the fictional popstar’s discography.

“‘Hannah Montana’ opened the door for therefore many fans to dream big, sing loud, and embrace every side of themselves, which is why its legacy continues to shine across generations,” said Davis. “Partnering with Miley on this special is a dream, and we would like it to be a love letter to the fans, who remain as passionate today as they were when the series debuted almost 20 years ago.”