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Miley Cyrus reveals in a new Variety cover story that she originally lied about a Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special to convince Disney to actually make it. She said she got advice from Dolly Parton and managed to convince Disney to take on the project. Miley Cyrus also teased what to expect from the special, including a cameo from Selena Gomez.
When Miley Cyrus first started teasing Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary special, the project wasn’t even a reality yet. The former Disney Channel star, who will headline a Disney+ special that premieres March 24, told Variety that she took advice from her godmother Dolly Parton to make the show happen.
“I learned this horrible habit from Dolly, but I think it was actually good advice,” Cyrus began. “She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists, so no one can say no. So I started promoting the Hannah Montana 20th anniversary special, which literally didn’t exist.”
“I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection that I have with Hannah,” she continued. “This is more than just a TV show. I see every day how much Hannah means to people. When I travel, people bring me ‘Hannah’ merchandise. They ask me, ‘Are you going to do another season?'” As Cyrus began spreading the news, she sent a response to Disney fans, saying, “I’m telling you, this is going to be huge.”
Charlie Andrews, a Disney executive, said that Cyrus persuaded the company to go ahead with the idea in December. “It was her will that made it happen,” Andrews said. When production began on the special in January, “She was adamant that this was for the fans. Literally every decision she made reflected that.”
Cyrus teased a few things fans can expect, including new original music. Instead of wearing a wig, she revealed that she dyed her hair blonde and cut her bangs. But one of the biggest news she shared was who would be making a cameo appearance. Guest stars include Selena Gomez, a Hannah Montana star and Cyrus’ friend and Disney alumnus.
Alexandra Cooper, whom Cyrus had chosen to interview on the special, arranged for Gomez to come to the set and surprise Cyrus. “I love Selena, but I had no idea how much our friendship meant to our fans,” Cyrus admitted.
She spoke more broadly about her hopes for people watching the special and why she’s ready to revisit Hannah. “A lot of artists want to be the next version of themselves. They have to leave something behind,” she said. “But I’d rather be like a gorgeous patchwork blanket. I’d rather take a little bit of everything I’ve ever been and create a mosaic of exactly who I am now. Without abandoning any of the past, I allow it to come with me.” She added that she hopes people who watch the show will feel inspired to “not have to take everything so seriously.”
The show will air on Disney+ on March 24th.
Watch Hannah Montana: 20th Anniversary Special here
