The campfire is burning bright again as Camp Rock 3 officially kicks off production, reigniting nostalgia for fans of the iconic Disney Channel franchise. Announced on September 17, 2025, the third installment brings back the Jonas Brothers—Joe, Nick, and Kevin—as the beloved band Connect 3, but a major question looms: where is Demi Lovato, and what does her absence from the cast list mean for the story? With filming underway in Vancouver and a fresh crop of young talent joining the lineup, Camp Rock 3 promises to blend the franchise’s signature music and summer camp energy with a modern twist. As fans speculate about whether Lovato will make a surprise appearance or if the story will pivot to a new lead, here’s everything we know about the film’s cast, plot, and the future of Mitchie Torres.
A Nostalgic Return with a Twist
Camp Rock (2008) and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010) were defining moments for Disney Channel, drawing millions of viewers with their catchy soundtracks and heartfelt stories. The original film followed Mitchie Torres, played by Demi Lovato, a shy teen with dreams of musical stardom who finds her voice at Camp Rock, a prestigious summer music camp. Alongside the Jonas Brothers as Connect 3—moody frontman Shane Gray (Joe), cool-headed drummer Nate (Nick), and quirky guitarist Jason (Kevin)—the films captured the magic of self-discovery, friendship, and first love. The franchise launched Lovato and the Jonas Brothers into teen idol status, with hits like “This Is Me” and “Play My Music” becoming anthems for a generation.
Fast forward to 2025, and Camp Rock 3 is set to revisit this beloved world. The announcement came after months of speculation, fueled by a viral reunion performance on August 10, 2025, when Lovato joined the Jonas Brothers onstage during their JONAS20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Their rendition of “This Is Me” and “Wouldn’t Change a Thing” sent fans into a frenzy, with social media buzzing about a potential third film. The excitement peaked when Joe Jonas, during an appearance on Hot Ones Versus, accidentally revealed a note in his phone that read “Camp Rock 3,” sparking laughter and a quick apology to Disney. Days later, Disney confirmed the project, revealing that filming had begun in Vancouver, but the cast announcement dropped a bombshell: Demi Lovato is not listed as a returning actor, though she’s attached as an executive producer.
A New Plot and a New Lead?
The official logline for Camp Rock 3 sets the stage for a fresh story: Connect 3, now seasoned rockstars, lose their opening act for a major reunion tour and return to Camp Rock to find the next big talent. As a new generation of campers competes for the chance to perform with their idols, the plot promises “tensions, friendships, unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances.” This premise shifts the focus from the original films’ emphasis on Mitchie’s journey to a broader ensemble narrative, spotlighting young campers vying for stardom. The absence of Lovato as Mitchie Torres, the heart of the first two films, raises questions about whether the story will pivot to a new protagonist or if Mitchie’s role will be reimagined.
Fans are divided on what Lovato’s absence means. Some speculate she’ll make a cameo as Mitchie, perhaps as a mentor or guest performer, given her deep connection to the franchise. Her role as an executive producer suggests she’s heavily involved in shaping the film’s vision, and her cryptic comments on Watch What Happens Live in September 2025—“I’m really excited for the new generation to take the lead”—hint at a possible onscreen appearance. Others believe the story will move forward without Mitchie, focusing instead on the new campers and Connect 3’s mentorship. The return of Maria Canals-Barrera as Connie Torres, Mitchie’s mother and Camp Rock’s chef, adds fuel to the speculation. Connie’s presence could tie into a cameo from Mitchie, perhaps visiting her mom at camp, or it might simply be a nostalgic nod to the original films.
The new cast of campers is packed with Disney talent, poised to carry the torch. Liamani Segura plays Sage, a bold and determined singer, alongside her easygoing brother Desi (Hudson Stone). Lumi Pollack stars as Rosie, a cello prodigy, while Malachi Barton takes on Fletch, the camp’s resident bad boy. Casey Trotter plays Cliff, a drummer with a unique style, and Brooklynn Pitts is Callie, a choreography queen. Ava Jean rounds out the group as Madison, an intimidating influencer, and Sherry Cola joins as Lark, a mysterious new character who could be a counselor or coach. This ensemble, drawn from Disney projects like Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Zombies 4, brings fresh energy, but their prominence suggests a shift away from the original characters’ stories.
The Jonas Brothers and the Legacy of Connect 3
The Jonas Brothers’ return as Shane, Nate, and Jason Gray is a major draw, tapping into their real-life journey from Disney stars to global pop icons. Joe, who’s leaned into Shane’s iconic lines like “I’m Shane Gray, for crying out loud” in TikTok videos from the set, seems thrilled to revisit his rockstar persona. Nick, with his acting credits in Jumanji and Scream Queens, brings depth to Nate’s reserved drummer vibe, while Kevin’s quirky Jason adds comedic flair. Their roles as executive producers alongside Lovato ensure the film stays true to the franchise’s roots, and their on-set antics—like recreating the limo scene from the first film—have fans buzzing with nostalgia.
The brothers’ real-life reunion in 2019, marked by their hit single “Sucker,” mirrors Connect 3’s fictional arc in Camp Rock 3. The plot of the band disbanding and reuniting for a tour feels like a nod to their own history, adding authenticity to their performances. Fans can expect new music from Connect 3, potentially featuring the Jonas Brothers’ signature pop-rock sound, blended with modern influences to appeal to today’s audience. The film’s focus on mentorship also reflects the brothers’ evolution, as they guide a new generation just as they’ve inspired fans for nearly two decades.
Why No Demi Lovato as Mitchie?
Lovato’s absence from the cast list has sparked intense debate. As Mitchie Torres, she was the emotional core of the original films, her journey from shy outsider to confident performer resonating with millions. Her decision to focus on executive producing rather than acting could stem from several factors. At 33, Lovato has been open about her mental health journey, including her near-fatal 2018 overdose documented in Dancing With the Devil. Stepping back from acting to focus on behind-the-scenes work allows her to stay connected to Camp Rock without the demands of a starring role. Her recent music career, with albums like REVAMPED featuring rock versions of her hits, and her upcoming role in a RollerCoaster Tycoon film, suggest a packed schedule that may limit her onscreen involvement.
Still, Lovato’s comments and actions keep hope alive for a cameo. Her Instagram post celebrating the film’s announcement—“Another one but make it camp!! good luck to this next class of campers”—and her emotional reunion with the Jonas Brothers suggest she’s deeply invested. The presence of Connie Torres, played by Canals-Barrera, could set up a brief appearance by Mitchie, perhaps as a successful musician visiting camp or performing at the Final Jam. However, the film’s focus on new campers indicates Disney’s intent to refresh the franchise for a younger audience, potentially sidelining Mitchie’s story in favor of new leads like Sage or Rosie.
A Creative Team and Modern Flair
Directed by Veronica Rodriguez (The Slumber Party) and written by Eydie Faye, Camp Rock 3 is produced by Disney Branded Television with choreography by Jamal Sims. Executive producers include the Jonas Brothers, Lovato, Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), and others, ensuring a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The film’s aesthetic will likely retain the vibrant summer camp vibe—think lush forests, lakeside stages, and colorful cabins—while incorporating modern elements like social media-driven drama and contemporary music styles.
The soundtrack, a hallmark of the franchise, is expected to feature new original songs, potentially performed by the young cast with contributions from the Jonas Brothers. Given the streaming surge for “This Is Me” after the reunion performance, Disney is likely banking on another hit-filled album. The choreography, led by Sims, promises high-energy dance numbers, updating classics like “Hasta La Vista” for a TikTok-savvy audience.
A Cultural Moment
Camp Rock 3 taps into a wave of 2000s nostalgia, with Disney Channel Original Movies like High School Musical and Descendants also seeing revivals. The original films’ impact—8.9 million viewers for Camp Rock and 7.9 million for Camp Rock 2—is matched by their enduring cultural footprint, with songs still trending on streaming platforms. The Jonas Brothers and Lovato’s reunion performance alone drove millions of streams, proving the franchise’s staying power. Social media is abuzz with fan edits, recreations of iconic scenes, and speculation about the new cast, with hashtags like #CampRock3 amassing millions of views.
The film’s release is slated for 2026 on Disney+ and Disney Channel, likely in the summer to capture the camp vibe. While the absence of Lovato as Mitchie stings for some fans, the focus on new talent and the return of Connect 3 promise a fresh yet familiar experience. The story’s emphasis on mentorship and competition feels timely, reflecting the pressures of fame in the digital age while honoring the franchise’s themes of authenticity and passion.
Why Camp Rock 3 Matters
Camp Rock 3 is a love letter to fans who grew up with Mitchie and Connect 3, as well as a gateway for new viewers. The Jonas Brothers’ return and the introduction of a vibrant young cast ensure the film bridges generations, while Lovato’s executive producer role keeps her spirit in the project, even if Mitchie’s role is uncertain. Whether she makes a cameo or the story pivots to a new lead, the film promises to deliver the music, drama, and heart that made Camp Rock a classic. As filming continues and anticipation builds, one thing is clear: Camp Rock is ready to rock again, and fans old and new are ready to sing along.
