The beloved faces of the Disney Channel from the mid-2000s are staging a major comeback, bringing a wave of millennial nostalgia. From Hilary Duff's long-awaited return to music to Lindsay Lohan's triumphant return to Hollywood and the Jonas Brothers reuniting for a new Camp Rock, the stars who defined a generation are back in the spotlight, having navigated turbulent personal journeys to get there.
The Musical Return of Hilary Duff
After a decade-long hiatus from the music industry, Hilary Duff has made her grand return with the release of her new single, Mature. The track, which tackles the subject of a man who exclusively dates younger women, marks her first new music since her 2015 album, Breathe In. Breathe Out.
Best known to millions as Lizzie McGuire, Duff was a dominant force in the mid-2000s, not only as a box office draw with films like A Cinderella Story and Cheaper By The Dozen but also as a pop sensation. She achieved two No. 1 albums on the Billboard 200 with Metamorphosis and Most Wanted, producing iconic hits such as Come Clean and So Yesterday.
In a candid appearance on Jake Shane's Therapuss podcast, Duff revealed that 'family drama' played a significant role in her extended break from music. This follows years of speculation about a feud with her sister, Haylie Duff, reportedly stemming from tension between their respective partners, Matthew Koma and Matthew Rosenberg.
Sources close to the singer confirmed she was 'nervous' about the release but was encouraged by her team, who believe the current climate of millennial nostalgia provides the perfect opportunity for a successful chart comeback.
Lindsay Lohan's 'Lohaissance' in Full Swing
Meanwhile, Lindsay Lohan is experiencing what fans and critics are calling a 'Lohaissance'. After retreating from the Hollywood spotlight for years, the actress has made a powerful return to the industry she once dominated as a teen star.
Lohan's career began with massive hits like Freaky Friday and Mean Girls, but was subsequently derailed by widely publicised personal struggles. These included multiple arrests for DUI, theft, and cocaine possession, leading to several stints in rehab and a departure from major film roles.
Seeking a fresh start, Lohan relocated to Dubai, opened businesses in Greece, and largely stepped away from public life. This period of recalibration led to marriage with financier Bader Shammas in 2022 and the birth of their son, Luai, in 2023.
Her professional comeback has been marked by several key projects. She reunited with her on-screen mother, Jamie Lee Curtis, for Freakier Friday, more than 20 years after the original. She has also secured a two-picture deal with Netflix, starring in Falling For Christmas and the upcoming Irish Wish and Our Little Secret.
Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato Reunite for Camp Rock
The wave of comebacks continues with the official announcement of Camp Rock 3. The Jonas Brothers—Joe, Nick, and Kevin—are set to reprise their roles from the beloved 2008 Disney Channel film.
Their original co-star, Demi Lovato, who played protagonist Mitchie Torres, will not be appearing on screen but will serve as an executive producer on the project. Lovato hinted at her involvement by joining the Jonas Brothers on stage at a New Jersey concert in August to perform Wouldn’t Change a Thing from the film.
The band's journey has seen its own challenges, including a highly publicised split in 2013 where the brothers refused to speak to each other. They reconciled in 2019, releasing new albums and embarking on tours. Joe Jonas also endured a bitter, year-long divorce battle with actress Sophie Turner, which was settled in 2024.
Adding to their busy schedule, the trio are also fronting their own Christmas film, A Very Jonas Christmas Movie, premiering on Disney+ on November 14. The film will be accompanied by new music, including their single Coming Home This Christmas featuring Kenny G.
From battling addiction and personal feuds to finding new stability and professional success, these Disney Channel alumni are proving that their stories are far from over, delighting a generation that grew up with them.
