The wait is over, and the campfire is lit once again: Camp Rock 3 is officially in production, bringing back the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato for a third chapter in the beloved Disney Channel franchise. Announced on September 17, 2025, just as fans were still buzzing from a surprise reunion performance, the news has sent waves of nostalgia through millennials who grew up singing “This Is Me” and “Gotta Find You.” With filming underway in Vancouver, the Jonas Brothers—Joe, Nick, and Kevin—return as the iconic band Connect 3, while Demi Lovato steps into an executive producer role. The film promises to blend the franchise’s signature mix of music, drama, and summer camp magic with a fresh cast and a story that resonates with both original fans and a new generation. Here’s everything we know about Camp Rock 3 and why it’s shaping up to be the ultimate nostalgic comeback.
A Legacy That Still Rocks
When Camp Rock premiered in 2008, it was an instant sensation, becoming the third highest-viewed Disney Channel Original Movie of all time with 8.9 million viewers on its debut night. The story of Mitchie Torres, a teenage aspiring singer played by Demi Lovato, and her journey at a prestigious music camp struck a chord with audiences. Alongside the Jonas Brothers as Connect 3—moody frontman Shane Gray (Joe), drummer Nate Gray (Nick), and quirky guitarist Jason Gray (Kevin)—the film launched its stars into teen idol stardom. Its 2010 sequel, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam, kept the momentum going with 7.9 million viewers, pitting Camp Rock against a rival camp in a high-stakes musical showdown. The franchise’s catchy soundtracks, heartfelt themes of self-acceptance, and infectious energy made it a cultural touchstone, with songs like “This Is Me” still resonating in pop culture.
Now, 15 years after the sequel, Camp Rock 3 is poised to recapture that magic. The announcement came hot on the heels of a viral moment during the Jonas Brothers’ JONAS20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour on August 10, 2025, when Lovato joined the brothers onstage at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Their performance of “This Is Me” and “Wouldn’t Change a Thing” sent fans into a frenzy, reigniting calls for a third film. The excitement peaked when Joe Jonas accidentally spilled the beans on Hot Ones Versus, reading “Camp Rock 3” from his Notes app, prompting nervous laughter from Nick and Kevin. Disney confirmed the project days later, revealing that filming had begun in Vancouver, with a release expected on Disney+ and Disney Channel in 2026.
A New Story for a New Era
Camp Rock 3 picks up years after the events of Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. The official logline reveals that Connect 3, now seasoned rockstars, face a crisis when their opening act drops out of a major reunion tour. To find the next big thing, they return to their beloved Camp Rock, the summer music camp where it all began. The story follows a new generation of campers competing for the chance to open for their idols, with tensions, friendships, and romances sparking along the way. The plot promises “unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances,” suggesting a mix of the franchise’s signature drama and heart, updated for a modern audience.
The narrative feels like a natural evolution, reflecting the passage of time since the original films. With the Jonas Brothers and Lovato now in their 30s, their characters are likely to take on mentor or counselor roles, guiding a fresh crop of talent. This setup allows the film to honor its roots while introducing new faces and stories. Fans can expect the camp’s vibrant energy—think late-night jam sessions, lakeside confessions, and intense rehearsals—paired with contemporary themes like navigating fame in the TikTok era and the pressures of social media. The story also hints at exploring Connect 3’s own journey, perhaps delving into how fame, breakups, and reunions have shaped the Gray brothers over the years.
The Return of Connect 3 and More
The Jonas Brothers are back as Shane, Nate, and Jason Gray, bringing their real-life charisma and musical talent to the fictional band Connect 3. Joe Jonas, who recently recreated Shane’s iconic “I’m Shane Gray, for crying out loud” line in a TikTok from the set, seems particularly thrilled to revisit his moody rocker persona. Nick, whose acting career includes roles in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Scream Queens, will channel Nate’s cool-headed drummer vibe, while Kevin, the eldest brother, returns as the lovably eccentric Jason. Their involvement as executive producers alongside Lovato signals a deep commitment to preserving the franchise’s legacy while updating it for today’s audience.
Demi Lovato, who played Mitchie Torres in the first two films, is confirmed as an executive producer but has remained coy about reprising her onscreen role. During a September 16, 2025, appearance on Watch What Happens Live, she teased, “I’m really excited for the new generation to take the lead,” suggesting a focus on fresh talent. However, the return of Maria Canals-Barrera as Connie Torres, Mitchie’s mother and Camp Rock’s chef, has fueled speculation that Lovato might make a cameo as Mitchie, perhaps as a mentor or guest performer. Lovato’s emotional connection to the franchise was evident after her reunion performance with the Jonas Brothers, which she described as “healing” on the Chicks in the Office podcast, hinting at her personal investment in the project.
The film introduces a vibrant new cast of campers, including Liamani Segura as bold and determined Sage, Malachi Barton as rebellious Fletch, Lumi Pollack as cello prodigy Rosie, Hudson Stone as Sage’s easygoing brother Desi, Casey Trotter as drummer Cliff, Brooklynn Pitts as choreo queen Callie, and Ava Jean as influencer Madison. Sherry Cola joins as Lark, a new character whose role remains undisclosed but could be a camp counselor or music coach. These newcomers, many of whom have starred in Disney projects like Descendants: Wicked Wonderland and Zombies 4, bring fresh energy to the franchise, ensuring it appeals to a younger audience while still tugging at the heartstrings of longtime fans.
Notably, some original cast members, like Alyson Stoner (Caitlyn Gellar), Meaghan Jette Martin (Tess Tyler), and Jasmine Richards (Peggy Dupree), have not been confirmed to return, though fans hold out hope for surprise cameos. The absence of characters like Luke Williams (Matthew “Mdot” Finley) and Dana Turner (Chloe Bridges) from the sequel’s cast list suggests the film will focus on new dynamics, though the door remains open for nostalgic nods to the past.
A Creative Team with Disney DNA
Camp Rock 3 is helmed by director Veronica Rodriguez, known for her work on Disney’s The Slumber Party, and writer Eydie Faye, who also penned Slumber Party. The film features choreography by Jamal Sims, promising high-energy dance numbers that echo the franchise’s iconic performances like “Hasta La Vista” and “Play My Music.” Executive producers include Tim Federle (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Betsy Sullenger, Spencer Berman, and Gary Marsh, alongside the Jonas Brothers and Lovato. This powerhouse team ensures the film stays true to the Disney Channel Original Movie legacy while delivering a polished, modern production.
The film’s aesthetic will likely retain the vibrant, summer camp vibe of the originals, with lush Vancouver landscapes standing in for Camp Rock’s lakeside setting. Expect colorful cabins, starlit campfires, and a stage that comes alive with music, all infused with a contemporary flair to reflect today’s youth culture. The soundtrack, a cornerstone of the franchise’s success, is expected to feature new original songs, potentially performed by the young cast, with possible contributions from the Jonas Brothers and Lovato. Given the streaming boost to the original soundtracks after their recent reunion performance, fans are eager for fresh bangers to rival classics like “This Is Me.”
A Nostalgic Yet Forward-Looking Comeback
Camp Rock 3 arrives at a time when nostalgia for 2000s Disney Channel content is at an all-time high. The franchise’s cultural impact is undeniable, with the original films ranking among the top 10 Disney Channel Original Movies and their soundtracks achieving platinum status. The recent reunion performance at MetLife Stadium, coupled with viral social media moments like Joe’s TikTok lip-syncing Shane Gray’s lines, proves the story still resonates. The film’s focus on a new generation of campers competing for stardom mirrors the original’s themes of self-discovery and authenticity, but updated for a world shaped by social media and instant fame.
For longtime fans, the return of the Jonas Brothers and Lovato’s involvement is a full-circle moment. Their real-life journey—from Disney Channel stars to global icons navigating personal and professional challenges—parallels the growth of their characters. Lovato’s openness about her mental health journey, including her 2018 overdose documented in Dancing With the Devil, adds emotional weight to her return, while the Jonas Brothers’ 2019 reunion and hit single “Sucker” reflect their enduring bond. The film’s narrative, with Connect 3 mentoring young talent, feels like a meta-commentary on their own legacy, passing the torch while celebrating their roots.
Why Camp Rock 3 Matters
Camp Rock 3 is more than a revival—it’s a celebration of a franchise that empowered a generation to embrace their individuality through music. Its return taps into the nostalgia of millennials who grew up with the films, while introducing the story to Gen Z viewers discovering Camp Rock on Disney+. The blend of familiar faces, new talent, and a story that bridges past and present makes it a unique addition to the Disney Channel Original Movie canon. Whether it’s Shane Gray strutting back into camp, a new camper stealing the spotlight, or a surprise Mitchie Torres cameo, the film promises to deliver the heart, humor, and music that made Camp Rock iconic.
As production ramps up, fans are already flooding social media with excitement, recreating scenes and speculating about the soundtrack. With a release slated for 2026, Camp Rock 3 is poised to be a love letter to its fans, old and new. So, grab your air guitar and dust off your camp gear—Connect 3 is back, and Camp Rock is ready to rock once more.
