Jonas Brothers return to D23 with 'Camp Rock 3' after 16-year franchise break

ANAHEIM, CALIFORNIA: The Jonas Brothers appeared and performed on stage at D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event during the Disney Entertainment Showcase on Saturday, August 15, in Anaheim to promote 'Camp Rock 3.'

The brothers will also be honored as Disney Legends on Sunday, August 16, as part of this year's ceremony at D23. The latest addition to the franchise arrives 16 years after 'Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,' which premiered in 2010.

Jonas Brothers reunite with 'Camp Rock 3' at D23

As the brothers took the stage to cheers and crowd clapping, Nick Jonas welcomed fans back to Camp Rock. Joe Jonas added, “It been almost two decade,” before Nick responded, “okay fine its been a while.” Kevin Jonas then added, “We’re so pumped to be back at camp. Back at the lake. Back pretending to know how to canoe.”

The brothers starred in the Disney Channel Original Movie 'Camp Rock' in 2008 and its sequel, 'Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam,' in 2010. They also had their own Disney Channel television show, known first as 'Jonas' and then as 'Jonas LA.' Alongside their acting work for Disney, three of their albums were also released under Disney's Hollywood Records.

The Jonas Brothers have also reflected on their return to the franchise and why the new film felt like the right time for them. At the Los Angeles premiere of 'Camp Rock 3' on Monday, August 10, they spoke about returning to the iconic Disney franchise and noted that becoming parents was part of the reason they decided to make the sequel.

“As parents [in the] last couple years, we’ve been so thrilled to get to partner with Disney on a bunch of different projects,” Nick said adding, “We’re trying to bring things into the world that we can share with our kids and that we can experience as a family.”

He also reflected on the multi-generational appeal of the franchise, noting, “And when we look at our shows, what we’re seeing is that multi-generational effect of people that were our age in their teens, who are now adults with their own kids, bringing them to shows. And I think the same thing will happen with this.”

Kevin Jonas agreed and explained, “It’s really incredible. I just watched it the other night with our girls, and they were very excited. A little too excited when Malachi [Barton] got on screen, but we’re not going to talk about that right now.”

Demi Lovato returns for 'Camp Rock 3'

The Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, will reprise their roles in the third installment and all serve as executive producers. Lovato will make a surprise cameo as Mitchie Torres, the talented but shy singer-songwriter she originally portrayed in 'Camp Rock' who attends a summer music camp.

The brothers will reprise their roles as the fictional Gray brothers in the band Connect 3. 'Camp Rock 3' will pick up years after the 2012 sequel, with Connect 3 losing their opening act ahead of their major reunion tour.

The trio then “returns to their beloved Camp Rock to discover the next big thing,” according to the official synopsis, adding, “As campers vie for the chance to open for their favorite band, tensions rise and friendships are tested — leading to unexpected alliances, revelations and romances.”

“Camp Rock is an important part of the Disney Channel Original Movie legacy, with unforgettable music, energetic storytelling, and characters that live in the hearts of fans to this day,” said Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, in a press release.

He continued, “Bringing it back with Kevin, Joe, Nick and Demi is such a full-circle moment, and we can’t wait to reintroduce this world to a new generation.”