The return to Camp Rock may be bigger than a single movie.
“Camp rock 3,” the latest, long awaited installment of the beloved franchise has finally come after a 15-year hiatus. However, there are already budding ideas about where the story could go next.
Some of these ideas go beyond another sequel. They could even bring several major Disney franchises together.
Jonas Brothers Are Already Thinking Beyond ‘Camp Rock 3’
“Camp Rock 3” has only just arrived, but it appears the team behind it is already looking beyond the new movie. The Jonas Brothers returned as Connect 3 and also served as executive producers, alongside costar, Demi Lovato.
The new movie premiered on Disney Channel on August 13 and is due to arrive on Disney+ on August 14. However, Joe, Kevin and Nick Jonas have hinted that their return does not necessarily have to end with this third installment.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Nick revealed that the brothers regularly discuss possible crossover scenarios involving some of Disney’s best-known musical franchises.These conversations have included “Camp Rock”, “Descendants” and “Zombies.”
“We could turn this into a full MCU-style universe.” Nick told the outlet. “The intention was to not just make one film, walk down memory lane, and look at ‘Camp Rock’ as a thing from our past that we wanna revive for a new generation. [Rather,] it’s a way to launch global superstars … with this third movie, we’re already seeing that that’s possible and the sky’s the limit.”
Director Veronica Rodriguez seems interested in returning as well. She told the outlet that she is already “manifesting” a fourth movie. “For the record, I know nothing,” she stated. “[But] I feel like it’s going somewhere. I’m manifesting ‘Camp Rock 4’ because I want to be there. Let’s go back to camp! I’m ready.”
Her comments add to the sense that the franchise has more stories available. Even more, the ending of “Camp Rock 3” leaves room for the newer characters to continue their journeys.
‘Camp Rock 3’ Introduces a New Generation of Disney Stars
While the latest movie brings several familiar faces back, the story is not dominated by the original cast. Much of “Camp Rock 3” instead focuses on a younger group of performers.
The story follows Connect 3 after the opening act for their reunion tour suddenly becomes unavailable. Their search for a replacement eventually leads them back to Camp Rock. There, a group of talented young campers compete for the golden opportunity.
Liamani Segura leads the new cast as Sage. Malachi Barton plays Fletch, while Lumi Pollack, Hudson Stone, Casey Trotter, Brooklynn Pitts and Ava Jean are also among the campers.
As “Camp Rock 3” has to reach two different groups of viewers, the filmmakers made an effort to appeal to both audiences. Familiar songs, references and characters provide the necessary nostalgia, while the younger performers give the movie its own identity.
Joe Jonas admitted that he was surprised to learn how many younger viewers had discovered the older films. That sustained interest in fact, helped convince the team that there was an audience for another trip to Camp Rock.
Interestingly, the new actors also have connections to Disney’s current generation of musical franchises. Segura has appeared in the “Descendants” universe, while Barton is part of “Zombies.”
Demi Lovato’s Return Leaves the Door Open for More Reunions
The new generation was not the only surprise waiting for longtime fans of the franchise. Demi Lovato also returned as Mitchie Torres.
Lovato’s involvement as an executive producer had previously been announced. Her return on screen, however, was initially kept secret. She only confirmed the cameo, shortly before the release of the movie. When asked about the possibility of another sequel, she teased, “As for a fourth film, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Maria Canals-Barrera also returned as Mitchie’s mother, Connie Torres. In the new film, Connie now serves as the director of Camp Rock.
Reportedly, Joe also joked that the brothers would even be willing to return as grandfathers one day. According to him, they enjoy being able to move in and out of the franchise, while helping a new group of performers take over.
