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 two 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 is currently collaborating with “HSM” alum Vanessa Hudgens on a special project—addressed the long-standing rumors of a rivalry between the two musical casts.

“I don’t think so,” she said. “If anything, I think everyone from Camp Rock really had a lot of respect and, if anything, looked up to the people that were in the High School Musical because they kind of paved the way for musicals on the Disney Channel.”

The enduring legacy of the original films prompted Disney to greenlight a third installment, slated to premiere in the summer of 2026.

According to an official press release, the film will follow Nick, Kevin, and Joe Jonas as they return to Camp Rock to find the next group of talented superstars.

“As campers vie for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise, and friendships are tested, leading to unexpected alliances, revelations, and romances,” the film’s synopsis reads.

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

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

“You can’t really talk about Camp Rock or have a Camp Rock movie without referencing her,” she told Entertainment Weekly. However, she wouldn’t confirm whether the “Sonny With a Chance” performer would appear in the film.

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

“I can’t spoil anything. What I will say is that people should be excited to see some OG characters. You should feel all of those nostalgic vibes. We tried to put in as many things as we can into this movie, some iconic set pieces, the Jonas Brothers as Connect 3, and even Connie [Maria Canals-Barrera], Mitchie’s mom, has a bigger role in this movie,” she said.

“So Mitchie is very much a character in this movie, in this world, and we should feel her, for sure, because she’s iconic and beloved and is a 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 20th anniversary.

He revisited a specific moment from the original production’s finale, saying, “I took my eyes off the monitor and just took in the scope of the whole room and I thought, ‘My God, if Disney Marketing does the job that we’re doing in this room today, we have a juggernaut.'”

And that they did. The first 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 career.

“We were having fun, learning as we went, and honestly just enjoying every moment together. I never could’ve imagined it would still mean so much to people 20 years later, or that a whole new generation would connect with it, and I’m grateful for that,” he said.