Mitchel Musso Explains His Absence from the Hannah Montana Reunion
Hannah Montana actor Mitchel Musso was noticeably missing from the show’s 20th anniversary special this year, and he’s now explaining his absence.
“Of course, they invited me [to participate],” Musso, 34, disclosed on the “Joe Vulpis Podcast” on June 24. “However, the invitation wasn’t communicated properly [to me].”
Musso featured in over 70 episodes of the iconic Disney Channel comedy series, portraying Miley Stewart’s (Cyrus) best friend, Oliver Oken, alongside Emily Osment’s Lilly Truscott.
The star shared with host Joe Vulpis that he genuinely cherished the opportunity to reprise his role as Oliver since he has mostly stepped back from the spotlight in the last decade. Instead, Disney chose to create a retrospective segment about Hannah Montana.
“I’ve been waiting for ten years,” he emphasized. “People say 20, but my break’s been 10. It’s a long time to wait and then not have it happen in a way that feels right, in my view.”
The Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special aired in March, featuring Cyrus, 33, reminiscing about memorable moments from the show alongside host Alex Cooper and celebrity guests like Chappell Roan and Selena Gomez.
In the interview, Musso expressed his eagerness to actually reprise the role of Oliver in a proper Hannah Montana episode.
“I need a wig,” he humorously remarked. “I’d want the hair, which is fine. I’ve worn [wigs] plenty of times on Disney. I’ve worn lots of wigs. … I’d want to immerse myself in the character again. I’d want to don that little polo again and those … plaid shorts with the goofy shoes.”
The actor further added, “I’d want to embody the character. Once I saw myself doing it, I’d go, ‘Oh, there you are! Let’s get out there and make it happen.’”
Musso wasn’t the only prominent Hannah Montana cast member absent from the anniversary special; Osment, 34, couldn’t attend due to her commitments filming the CBS sitcom Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage.
“We’re at Georgie & Mandy … that’s why I couldn’t be part of the 20-year reunion; we are here shooting our show,” she mentioned in a social media video. “But I wanted to express my gratitude to everyone who has supported us all these years. I’m so thankful that you all continue to love the show. I’m so proud to be a part of it.”
Before the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special aired in March, Musso honored the show with his own Instagram tribute.
Miley Cyrus is still answering questions about Hannah Montana more than a decade after it concluded, and she has some amusing stories to share. During the episode of her mom Tish Cyrus and sister Brandi Cyrus’ “Sorry We’re Cyrus” podcast on Thursday, June 19, the Grammy winner, 32, reflected on a moment that never…
“Hannah Montana wrapped around my heart and hasn’t really let go. We literally grew up with you all — long days, hectic schedules, learning lines, laughing in between takes, and navigating life as the cameras rolled,” he wrote. “It taught me countless wonderful lessons, but the most important to me is that laughter can help you through tough times. That confidence remains with me every single day.”
He also expressed gratitude to his co-stars, stating, “Miley, Emily, Jason [Earles], Billy Ray [Cyrus], Moises [Arias], and the entire Disney crew — you became my family through all the real, messy, beautiful moments. Thank you for believing in a goofy kid from Texas who sported some questionable outfits and a haircut like that. To all of you, thank you for welcoming me into your homes and hearts 20 years ago and still being here today. I’m honored we get to share all of this together.”
Hannah Montana initially aired for four seasons from 2006 to 2011. Classic episodes, along with the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, are available for streaming on Disney+.
