SOUTH BEND, Ind. (WNDU) – Disney Channel’s beloved “Camp Rock” franchise is making a major comeback after nearly two decades, and the road to the new film made a nostalgic pitstop right here in South Bend on Wednesday.
Originally released in 2008, the musical movie became an instant sensation, launching the careers of the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato. Now, 18 years later, the franchise is gearing up for its third installment, “Camp Rock 3,” with a nationwide promotional tour that brought a specially themed school bus to local fans.
For local fans who grew up watching the films, the tour bus represents a bridge to their childhood.
“I’m so excited! I’ve been watching ‘Camp Rock’ since I was a kid,” said Niyah, a local fan who visited the tour stop. “I love the Jonas Brothers so much. They’re so cute! And they’re just Disney legends, so it’s like exciting.”
She added that as a lifelong enthusiast, seeing the tour in her hometown felt “surreal.”
The excitement was so intense that some fans drove over an hour to South Bend after catching wind of the event on social media.
“We’re hanging out with the ‘Camp Rock’ Tour Bus. It’s really cool,” shared fans Vanessa, Claire, Rebeca, and Teresa. “Because we love the Jonas Brothers and the ‘Camp Rock’ movies. Before coming here, we watched all of the ‘Camp Rock’ movies.”
While younger audiences are discovering the films for the first time, older fans are marveling at the franchise’s longevity.
“A lot of people are surprised — that you know it is coming back,” said Ben Summers, project manager for the “Camp Rock 3″ Bus Tour. “The first one came out like 20 years ago.”
The cross-country bus tour is scheduled to continue through early August, with its next destination set for Chicago before wrapping up ahead of the new movie’s release.
“Camp Rock 3″ is scheduled to premiere on Aug/ 13.
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