Hannah Montana Anniversary Special Excludes Original Cast Members
The highly-anticipated Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special premiered on Disney on March 24th, 2026, sparking excitement among fans. The special featured Miley Cyrus reviving her iconic Hannah Montana persona, performing classic songs like 'The Best of Both Worlds' and 'The Climb', and participating in a sit-down interview with Alex Cooper.
Guest appearances included Billy Ray Cyrus, Tish Cyrus, Selena Gomez, and Chappell Roan. However, fans expressed disappointment as beloved original cast members Emily Osment (Lilly), Mitchel Musso (Oliver), Jason Earles (Jackson), and Moises Arias (Rico) were notably absent from the production.
Showrunner Explains the Decision
Ashley Edens, the showrunner for the special, has now clarified the reasoning behind this exclusion. In an interview with The Wrap, Edens emphasized that the decision was driven by a focus on Miley Cyrus's personal experience.
"We toyed around with what was the most heart-led for Miley," Edens stated. "If maybe we had a two-hour special, there would have been room, but I really think this is about Miley and her experience."
She reiterated that the special aimed to highlight Cyrus's journey, noting that the limited one-hour format prioritized her perspective. "It wasn’t that she didn’t want anyone else there — I think her love for all those classmates comes through — but…in the hour special, we really just leaned into Miley and her experience and it being through her lens," Edens added.
Additional Casting Revelations
Edens also disclosed that other pop stars were considered for cameo roles. Sabrina Carpenter was initially planned to appear but was unavailable during filming. "She really wanted to be a part, because obviously, much like Chappell, she grew up on Miley and Hannah, and had a relationship there. She was just not available," Edens explained.
Despite their absence from the special, Jason Earles and Moises Arias attended the premiere event. Meanwhile, Emily Osment and Mitchel Musso released separate statements regarding the anniversary.
The special has generated significant discussion among fans, with many debating whether the focus on Miley Cyrus was the right approach or if a broader cast reunion would have been more impactful.
