Are you ready to rock? Camp Rock 3 is right around the corner! After 16 years away, it’s time to go back to where it all started. Disney+ has released the full-length Camp Rock 3 trailer after multiple teases for fans. With it, we get an even better picture of what it will take for one of the campers to become Connect 3’s new opening act. The trailer reveals they will have to complete several challenges. Then, they will ultimately compete at the Final Jam. Because some things, well, they never change, and I can’t help but love it. In anticipation of the movie, I wrote all about my favorite parts of the new Camp Rock 3 trailer.
MORE: Camp Rock 3 Welcomes Back Connect 3 and Introduces a New Generation
1. The Return of Maria Canals-Barrera as Connie Torres
I don’t know why I get so emotional every time Maria Canals-Barrera speaks in any of these Camp Rock teasers and trailers. I guess it has a lot to do with growing up with her on my screen in some mother-figure role. Whether it be Theresa Russo on Wizards of Waverly Place or Connie Torres in all three Camp Rock movies, she’s been there.
So, it’s really exciting to see her back – even if I’m not quite sure what Connie’s role at Camp Rock (or in the movie itself) is just yet. It’s such a smart choice to start with Connie’s voice, telling the campers, “When I look out at all of you, all I can think about is the talent that has come through here.” It feels emotional and right and even a bit meta.
2. Liamani Segura as Sage
High School Musical: The Musical: The Series made me a fan of Liamani Segura back in 2022. It’s absolutely incredible to watch her step into all of her talents on screen. This trailer dropping on the heels of her success as Pink in Descendants: Wicked Wonderland feels intentional. Yes, it’s very much Disney Channel and Disney+ keeping audiences engaged with projects. However, it’s also a reflection of Segura’s hard work as one of the company’s brightest new talents.
She is showing up as what appears to be Camp Rock 3’s leading lady – a franchise spot previously held by the iconic Demi Lovato as Mitchie Torres. There’s a reason why Segura’s Sage is the one who finds Mitchie’s songbook – even if it’s not the same one from the original movies. There’s a tether there. I can’t wait to see Segura play out Sage’s journey following her dreams and learning more about herself along the way.
3. A Tease of a New Connect 3 Song
I have been a Jonas Brothers fan from the beginning. I’m talking about when they were uploading YouTube videos and singing songs like “It’s About Time” and “Mandy.” So, I absolutely leaned forward at the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it clips that suggest we will see the Jonas Brothers performing a few numbers in Camp Rock 3.
I haven’t sought out the soundtrack because I don’t want to be spoiled. I did the same thing for their holiday movie – A Very Jonas Christmas Movie – and it paid off. It does look like Nick, Joe, and Kevin Jonas will have a smaller, supporting role in this movie, which is to be expected. They quite literally hand the microphone to their tour manager, Sherry Cola’s Lark. I’m looking forward to seeing how involved they are and where Camp Rock 3 finds Connect 3 – other than on the eve of another sold-out tour.
4. Camp Rock Bonding the New Campers
One of the best things about Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam is that we got to see the characters return after getting to know each other. We got to see the friendships deepen and the romances progress. It also introduced Nate (Nick Jonas) and Dana’s (Chloe Bridges) lake-crossed romance. All of those dynamics had space and time to breathe, and it really made all the story turns much more believable and enjoyable.
I don’t know how many more Camp Rock movies Disney has planned. No matter if this is the first of many more or just a one-off to round out a trilogy, Camp Rock 3 has to introduce an entire slate of new characters and friendships and romances. The trailer relies heavily on Sage and Fletch (Malachi Barton), which is understandable. However, there’s a shot of the campers on the bus (I’d imagine it’s the one at the camp’s entrance) that teases the bond they’ll all develop. I’m excited for a new generation to get that.
5. The ‘Camp Rock’ Nostalgia
After all, one of the most exciting things about Camp Rock 3 is how it makes fans like me feel nostalgic for those first two movies. This movie is aware of its legacy in this sense. I see it in the dances and hear it in the songs. Even the set pulls on my heartstrings because I can remember viewing parties and countdowns on Disney Channel.
Needless to say, of course, Camp Rock 3 is for a new generation. I hope that a whole audience finds comfort and joy in this franchise as I and so many others have since its debut in 2008. But this movie is also for us, those of us who have been singing everything from “This Is Me” and “Wouldn’t Change a Thing” for nearly two decades. Let’s rock!
MORE: Camp Rock 3: The Jonas Brothers Reconnect as Connect 3 in First Teaser
Check out the Camp Rock 3 trailer:
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