Warning: Spoilers from “Camp Rock 3” below.
Turns out the final jam wasn’t all that final, because camp is back in session with “Camp Rock 3.”
“Camp Rock 3” premiered on Disney Channel Aug. 13, 18 years after the 2008 release of the original, with “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” just two years after.
The original musical served as a catapult into stardom for original cast members Demi Lovato and the Jonas Brothers. The fictional camp, meanwhile, has always been a place for similarly aspiring young performers to come together and learn what it takes to be a rocker.
This new reboot inducts rising stars Malachi Barton, Disney’s newest male lead from the popular “Zombies” franchise, and Liamani from “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland.”
“Camp Rock 3” picks up many years after the sequel, with the Jonas Brothers reprising their role as the members of the fictional boy band Connect 3: Shane Gray (Joe Jonas), Jason Gray (Kevin Jonas) and Nate Gray (Nick Jonas). When Connect 3 loses the opening act of their “Reconnected” reunion tour, they turn to the place they went from reluctant campers to pivotal counselors in search of the next greatest voice.
Maria Canals-Barrera reprises her role as Connie Torres, mother to Lovato’s character Mitchie Torres.
Unlike her former co-stars, Lovato was listed solely as an executive producer of the film. However, fans online weren’t so convinced — and the instincts were right! Lovato makes a surprise cameo towards the end of the movie, making for a full-circle moment with both old and new castmates. News of Lovato’s return was revealed Aug. 10 across social media, including a post from the star herself.
“She’s an amazing producer,” Canals-Barrera tells TODAY.com about reuniting with Lovato. “She’s so talented. Even at 15, she just grabbed people’s hearts and they never let her go through all the ups and downs in her life and her success.”
Here’s everything to know about “Camp Rock 3,” from Lovato’s surprise appearance, all the new Disney Channel faces and how the movie expands on the beloved franchise’s legacy.
What Happens In ‘Camp Rock 3’?
“Camp Rock 3” combines nostalgic callbacks to the glory days with the introduction of some new voices.
Comedian and actor Sherry Cola comes in as Lark, Connect 3’s tour manager who has little patience for their brotherly band drama. Competition is always an element of Camp Rock, and when campers are faced with a series of challenges to determine who will open for Connect 3, Lark is roped into judging. Despite being hesitant to spend tour prep time in the woods, the catchy songs grow on her, and the excitement of the contest wins her over.
Barton’s character, Fletch, wears the “bad boy” shoes of Shane Gray, as he mysteriously shows up late to camp in a cop car. Fletch, like Shane, immediately bumps into the outgoing aspiring frontwoman Sage, played by Liamani. The two align on their shared passion for using music as a cathartic means of connectivity during times of uncertainty.
Liamani, 17 — just two years older than Lovato was when she first stepped foot on camp — nearly manifested her leading role in “Camp Rock 3.” Three years ago, during her time on “High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,” she covered Lovato’s iconic ballad “This is Me” from the original film. Sage is the girl who always has a plan, but influenced by the spontaneity of her brother Desi (Hudson Stone), she discovers newfound anchors of confidence and direction.
One of Sage’s discoveries includes an iconic reference to the first “Camp Rock.” Looking for inspiration, Sage stumbles upon Mitchie’s songwriting notebook, left under the floorboards of her cabin. When Connie spots Sage writing her own songs in the notebook, she gives Sage some words of wisdom.
Another familiar Disney Channel face (new to the “Camp Rock” universe) is Milo Manheim, the lead of Disney’s “Zombies” franchise and upcoming star in the live-action “Tangled” movie. Manheim portrays a former camper turned counselor who helps mentor campers through the various workshops and challenges.
Key newbies include Rosie (Lumi Pollack), who seizes the opportunity to break free from her parents’ classical expectations, Cliff (Casey Trotter), who finds friends who let him beat to his own drum, and Callie (Brooklynn Pitts), a dancer who discovers leadership skills as Lark’s assistant.
This summer, Connie trades in her chef coat for the camp director’s desk, and has the difficult job of enforcing a new rule: No phones. Like old times, when the competition turns up the heat, the campers must decide if certain rules are worth being broken and when revenge is necessary.
When Does Demi Lovato Make Her Surprise Cameo?
At first, “Camp Rock 3” seems to focus solely on the return of Connect 3 and Connie. Fans are in luck, however, because by the last 20 minutes of this trilogy film, Mitchie Torres indeed makes an appearance.
Once the five finalists are narrowed down — Sage, Fletch, Rosie, Desi and Cliff — and Final Jam approaches, Mitchie surprises Connie and Connect 3.
“This is their night, not mine,” Mitchie says to Connie about wanting to stay on the sidelines rather than make a big entrance during Final Jam.
Mitchie, who took a break from a tour to witness Final Jam, stays backstage and reminisces with her mom about how much camp still means to so many kids, who, like her, came here to discover their sound and kick off their dreams.
Mitchie also chats with Shane, Jason and Nate, and convinces them they don’t have to pick just one Final Jam winner. The former campers see themselves in these young newcomers, and Mitchie reminds them one of the greatest talents isn’t individual star power, but how artists can help each other shine.
After the announcement that all five campers will get to open for Connect 3 as a group, Mitchie and Shane fans get their moment.
“You think they know what they just got?” Shane asks.
“Not yet,” Mitchie responds. “But they will.”
As the new generation gears up to perform a finale duet of “We Rock” with Connect 3, Sage catches a glimpse of Mitchie, who gives the young (and starstruck) performer a wave and a smile before walking off camera.
Will There Be a ‘Camp Rock 4’?
While there is no major cliffhanger moment, the end of the scene between Lovato and Joe Jonas does leave open the possibility of a future for the franchise.
“So, same time next summer?” Joe Jonas’ character poses, to which Lovato answers back, “You’re on.”
“Camp Rock 3” will stream on Disney+ on Aug. 14.