The cast of Hannah Montana came together in Los Angeles to celebrate the show’s 20th anniversary, marking a nostalgic return for the series that launched Miley Cyrus into global stardom.
Revisiting her iconic blonde wig and bangs, Miley Cyrus reflected on her journey from a teenage Disney star to an established pop artist. Speaking to The Associated Press, she shared how the milestone has allowed her to look back at the show with a fresh perspective.
Cyrus, who was just 13 when she began playing Miley Stewart—a regular teen living a secret life as a pop star—said the experience feels different now.
"Getting to be on the outside now, getting to be grown and be a part of it in a way that I couldn’t when I was in the middle of it before, and all the chaos and the schedule and the performing of it all," Cyrus said, "now it just gets to be a celebration. So it is a new perspective. I love that".
The anniversary special, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu, features a live audience, archival clips, and a sit-down interview with Cyrus conducted by podcast host Alex Cooper.
The show includes musical performances, beginning with the hit The Best of Both Worlds and ending with a new song dedicated to her younger self.
Several familiar faces make appearances, including Billy Ray Cyrus, with whom Miley attempts to recreate their signature handshake. Selena Gomez also returns, along with singer-songwriter Chappell Roan, who credits Cyrus as an influence on her career.
Addressing fans at the premiere, Cyrus expressed gratitude for the enduring love for the show.
"Without you all, this show would have never been what it is, and I love saying what it is, not what it was," she said.
"Tonight isn’t about looking back into the past, but it’s about what it means to us still tonight," she said.
Jason Earles, who played Miley’s brother Jackson, noted how revisiting the show highlights how much time has passed.
"I think if you go back and you watch the episodes, there’s enough dated references like old flip phones and stuff that you go, 'Oh no, no, this show was a little while ago'," he said.
Cody Linley, known for his role as Jake Ryan, reflected on the experience of being seen as a teen heartthrob.
"It's hard to believe that there were girls that had pictures of me with my shirt off in their locker and they would have me sign it," Linley said. "And it's hard not to let it go to your head, because you have to remember that it’s an image that they are seeing. It’s not you."
Country singer Lainey Wilson, who also attended the premiere, shared how she once performed as a Hannah Montana impersonator early in her career.
"From 8th grade to 12th grade, five years of my life, I would open up the show as Lainey Wilson, I would run behind a tree and put on my Hannah Montana get-up," the singer said. "I did birthday parties, fairs, festivals… I was hitting the roads."
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