Hannah Montana returned to Hollywood on Monday night.
Miley Cyrus marked the occasion with a grand red carpet event at the El Capitan Theatre to celebrate the “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special.” Before the event, she acknowledged a Variety interview as the catalyst for the “Hannah Montana” revival celebration.
Cyrus told me soon after her arrival, “You started all this. You initiated the drama. I just casually mentioned my bangs and blonde hair the last time we spoke, and here we are.”
In January, during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Cyrus mentioned she was diligently working on the anniversary plans for “Hannah Montana,” but did not confirm if the special was underway. With a smile, she remarked, “You see the bangs.”
Although she is celebrating her iconic popstar role for the 20th anniversary, Cyrus expressed that she lacks the energy to consider reviving “Hannah Montana” on television.
When questioned about a “Hannah Montana” reboot, Cyrus responded, “Girl, I’m already tired. This has already been a lot.”
Joining the red carpet were Cyrus’ mother, Tish Cyrus-Purcell, who co-executive produced the special, and her sister Brandi Cyrus. Original cast members Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Cody Linley, Jason Earles, Mateo Arias, Mitchel Musso, Moises Arias, and Shanica Knowles were also present.
“Hannah Montana” first aired on the Disney Channel in March 2006 and concluded after four seasons in 2011. Cyrus played Miley Stewart, a teenager leading a double life as the famous pop star, Hannah Montana. Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, portrayed her on-screen dad.
The anniversary special, set to premiere on March 24 on Disney+ and Hulu, will feature Cyrus performing some of the show’s popular songs, an interview with “Call Me Daddy” host Alex Cooper, and a surprise appearance by Selena Gomez, who guest-starred in Season 2 as Hannah’s pop star rival Mikayla Skeech.
Earlier this year, Cyrus hinted at a special being planned. However, she later confessed in a Variety cover interview that she was not entirely truthful. “I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly [Parton],” she shared with writer Ethan Shanfeld. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.”
