“Hannah Montana”'s Mitchel Musso Explains Why He Declined to Attend Show Reunion: 'Wasn't Presented Correctly'

Virginia ChamleeThu, June 25, 2026 at 7:44 PM UTC

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Mitchel MussoCredit: DISNEY CHANNEL/JOEL WARREN; Alberto E. Rodriguez/WireImage -

Mitchel Musso is opening up about why he didn't participate in the Hannah Montana anniversary special — but says his relationship with Miley Cyrus is solid

In a new interview, Musso said he "wanted" the anniversary to include the actors stepping back into their roles — but when it "wasn't presented that way," he opted not to participate

The actor played one of lead character Miley Stewart's (a.k.a. Hannah Montana's) besties, Oliver Oken

Mitchel Musso is sharing more about why he was absent from the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special.

Musso, 34, played one of Miley Cyrus character, Miley Stewart's, Miley Stewart (a.k.a. Hannah Montana) besties, Oliver Oken in the Disney Channel show. But he was notably absent from the show's anniversary, which began streaming on Hulu and Disney+ on March 24, 2026.

The special included Cyrus appearing as herself while performing some of the songs from the show, as well as an interview with her and Alex Cooper.

Speaking on the Joe Vulpis Podcast, Musso said he "wanted" the anniversary to include the actors stepping back into their roles — but when it "wasn't presented that way," he opted not to participate.

"Probably Hannah with everybody," he said, when asked which of his past roles he'd most like to step in to. "I wanted it to be like that, too, for the 20th anniversary."

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Emily Osment, Mitchel Musso, Miley CyrusCredit: DISNEY CHANNEL/CRAIG SJODIN

"The kid in me was banking on it, like, I can't wait for us to all be on set again and it just didn't work out that way," Musso said. "Do something other than what was done ... Set's still there."

He continued: "They just did it differently and it and it is what it is. But ... it wasn't the right thing and I was busy doing something that was more important, right? But it would have been way more important if it would have just been an episode, or a movie, or a whatever. Of course, that would have been more important."

"It would have been everything, [I would have] dropped everything. Eat, breathe, sleep it," Musso added. "I'm there early. I'm flying in three days. I'm going to be there."

He added: "Um yeah, it didn't turn out that way... Of course they asked me. Um, but it, like I said, it wasn't presented correctly."

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"And I've been waiting 10 years. You know, the people they say 20. My break's been 10. So, it's too long of a wait to do it in a way that isn't even close to, in my opinion, correct," Musso added.

Elsewhere on the pod, Musso said Cyrus is "one of the coolest people," adding: "One the most impressive people and watching her career — it's not like I talk to Miley every single day, but you know the the once or twice a year that I do get to speak with her, she's my sister, you know what I mean? I'd do anything for Miles."

Around the time the special aired, Musso took to Instagram to share a gallery of photos from his time on the series, writing in the caption, "Hannah Montana wrapped around my heart and never really let go. We literally grew up with ya'll — long days, crazy schedules, learning lines, cracking up between takes, and figuring out life while the cameras rolled. It taught me so many wonderful values, but the most important 'to me' is that laughter can get you through the tough days. That confidence still sticks with me every single day."

He continued, "To all of you who grew up right alongside us… your friends were our friends too. Like my Lillypop said on her post, so many of you building families of your own and sharing this wonderful story with your kids is a gift beyond words. It's been the coolest part of HM."

Musso also included a special shout-out to the cast of the show. "Miley, Emily, Jason, Billy Ray, Moises, and the whole crew at Disney — you became my family through all the real, messy, beautiful moments," he wrote. "Thank you for believing in a goofy kid from Texas who wore some questionable outfits with a haircut like that. To all of you, thank you for welcoming me into your homes and hearts 20 years ago and still allowing me to be here today. I'm honored we get to share all of this together."

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Along with Musso, Emily Osment — who starred on the series as Lily Truscott, the best friend of Cyrus' character — was also absent from the anniversary special of the show.

Osment opened up about the 20th anniversary of the hit TV series in a March 23 post on Instagram. She wrote in the caption, "Hannah Montana changed my life, it gave me a lifelong respect for this medium of comedy, it taught me discipline, patience, timing and respect working in an adult space so young."

She continued, "I've met thousands of HM fans over the years, fans that now have children watching this show and fans that literally work beside me every day, like Montana." Referencing her George and Mandy's First Marriage co-star Montana Jordan, she wrote, "He's seen every episode, don't be fooled."

Osment continued, "I can't tell you what your sweet messages mean to me and how lucky I feel to have been [a part] of this once in a generation goliath of a television show. Thank you for letting me into your living rooms and I hope to still be there many years from now. Would never be where I am without you guys, working on another beautiful show I love so dearly. With all my heart, THANK YOU! ♥️ Lilly."

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”