The Camp Rock gang is back, and the latest premiere of the franchise has given fans a big dose of nostalgia. Demi Lovato reunited with Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas at the Los Angeles red carpet for Camp Rock 3, nearly two decades after the original Disney Channel movie introduced Mitchie Torres and Connect 3 to audiences. The third installment moves the story forward with Connect 3 returning to their old camp under unexpected circumstances. Unlike the first two movies, Camp Rock 3 introduces a largely new generation of campers while retaining the franchise’s original stars.
Demi Lovato reunites with Jonas Brothers
Lovato attended the Camp Rock 3 premiere with the Jonas Brothers, a much-anticipated reunion for fans of the original movies. The singer-actor returned to the red carpet as Mitchie Torres, the up-and-coming singer she originally played in the 2008 film.
The reunion was met with an emotional response from fans online, who shared “then and now” photos of the original cast and celebrated the return of the beloved franchise.
Joe, Nick and Kevin Jonas at Camp Rock 3 premiere (Photo: AP)
Demi Lovato returns as Mitchie Torres
Lovato’s involvement in Camp Rock 3 had been rumoured by fans after she was seen around the production. Her return was officially confirmed just before the premiere. The actress will cameo as Mitchie Torres. She was earlier attached to the project as an executive producer, but her onscreen appearance wasn’t originally announced. She now returns 18 years after Camp Rock premiered, which helped establish her as a major Disney star.
The Jonas Brothers also return as the fictional band Connect 3. Joe comes back as Shane Gray, Nick as Nate Gray and Kevin as Jason Gray. Maria Canals-Barrera returns as Mitchie’s mother, Connie Torres.
Liamani, Lumi Pollack, Malachi Barton and Sherry Cola (Photos: AP)
Camp Rock 3’s story
According to Disney’s official plot description, the band loses its opening act for an upcoming reunion tour and heads back to Camp Rock to search for the next big musical talent. The campers compete for the opportunity to perform as the opening act for Connect 3. However, the competition creates tension as friendships are tested and unexpected alliances, revelations and romances develop.
Jonas Brothers in Camp Rock
Camp Rock 3 cast – new and returning
Alongside Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, the film features a new generation of Disney performers. Liamani Segura plays Sage, while Malachi Barton portrays Fletch. The new cast also includes Lumi Pollack as Rosie, Sherry Cola as Lark, Hudson Stone as Desi, Casey Trotter as Cliff, Brooklynn Pitts as Callie and Ava Jean as Madison.
The movie is directed by Veronica Rodriguez, known for The Slumber Party, from a screenplay by Eydie Faye.
Camp Rock 3 release date
Camp Rock 3 will debut on Disney Channel on Aug. 13 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The film will be available to stream on Disney+ on August 14.
Demi Lovato reprises her Mitchie Torres in Camp Rock 3
Why Camp Rock is still a Disney favourite
Camp Rock debuted in 2008 and was one of the most successful original movies on Disney Channel. It remains one of the network’s biggest movie hits, behind the likes of High School Musical 2 and Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie.
The sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, was released in 2010 and became the biggest movie of that year for Disney Channel. The first two movies combined have accumulated over 535 million viewing hours. Disney is bringing back the original stars and mixing them with a younger cast in Camp Rock 3, giving longtime fans another chance to see Lovato and the Jonas Brothers together.