Exactly 20 years to the day after Hannah Montana premiered on Disney Channel, the highly anticipated 20th Anniversary Special is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Last night, the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood transformed into a sea of purple and sequins for the world premiere, where a blonde-banged Miley Cyrus reunited with her original castmates to “spill the tea” on the legacy of the show that defined a generation.
From her blunt response to those reboot rumors to the secret role Dolly Parton played in getting this special made, here is everything that happened at the premiere and what you can expect from the special today.
The “No” to a Reboot: “Girl, I’m Tired”
While the anniversary is a celebration, Miley was quick to shut down rumors of a full-blown series reboot. Speaking to Variety on the red carpet, Miley jokingly blamed the reporters for starting the drama before clarifying her stance. “Girl, I’m already tired. This has already been a lot,” she said, explaining that while she loves honoring the character, she isn’t looking to step back into the “chaos” of a full-time sitcom schedule. For now, this special is the definitive “love letter” to the fans.
The Original Cast Reunion
(L-R) Shanica Knowles, Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, Miley Cyrus, Cody Linley, Jason Earles and Moisés Arias attend the World Premiere of Disney+’s “Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special” at El Capitan Theatre on March 23, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The premiere featured a heart-melting reunion between Miley and several original cast members, including Jason Earles (Jackson), Moisés Arias (Rico), Cody Linley (Jake Ryan), Shanica Knowles (Amber), and Anna Maria Perez de Tagle (Ashley). However, two major faces were missing: Emily Osment and Billy Ray Cyrus. The actress, who played best friend Lilly Truscott, shared an emotional Instagram video explaining that she couldn’t attend due to filming her own series, Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage, but sent her love to the “once in a generation goliath” of a show.
Recreating the “Simulation” of the Stewart House
Inside the special, fans will see Miley sit down for an intimate, in-depth interview with Call Her Daddy host Alex Cooper. The production went to extreme lengths for the “Hannahversary,” meticulously rebuilding the original Stewart family living room and the iconic rotating closet. Miley noted that walking back onto those sets felt like entering a “simulation,” as she spent 12 to 14 hours a day in those exact rooms during her teenage years. The special even features Miley and her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, attempting to recreate their signature handshake.
Musical Reclamations and Surprise Cameos
The special isn’t just a talk show; it’s a musical event. Miley has officially re-recorded the show’s anthem, “The Best of Both Worlds,” along with a brand-new, original song dedicated to her 13-year-old self. The premiere also confirmed a long-rumored cameo from Selena Gomez, who famously played Hannah’s rival Mikayla. In a move that finally buries the 2000s-era hatchet, Selena appears to discuss the impact of the show alongside other guest stars like Chappell Roan and country star Lainey Wilson.
