Earlier this year, it was revealed that Demi Lovato was working on a new documentary called ‘Child Star’, which examines the high highs and low lows of growing up in that spotlight.  This documentary won’t be taking a look at Lovato’s past as a Disney child star who starred in the Disney Channel original movie “Camp Rock” and the TV show “Sonny With a Chance.

This new documentary has been directed by Demi, who is making her directorial debut, will feature intimate and, at times, heart-breaking conversations with other former child stars, including Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa and Lovato’s Camp Rock co-star Alyson Stoner. 

In a statement to THR regarding the documentary release, Demi Lovato said:

“I’m so proud to make my directorial debut with this documentary that sheds light on the complexities of child stardom, a topic that is very close to my heart. I want to thank our cast for being so vulnerable with their stories and our contributors for sharing their knowledge to help push the conversation forward. I hope viewers will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and pressures faced by young people in the industry so we can achieve our goal of creating a safer and more supportive environment for future generations young talents in entertainment, social media and beyond.”

Nicola Marsh, who is a co-director on the project, also added:

“It was a real peek of what it was like to handle meteoric fame in childhood and all the pressures that come along with that. It looks so fun and glamorous on the outside but actually it’s really challenging to be forming your identity as a kid while also commodifying yourself.”

Michael D. Ratner, who is the producer and CEO of OBB Media, also said in a statement regarding the documentary:

“We’re so grateful to Hulu for giving this project a platform, and to all the child stars who participated in this project and helped us pull back the curtain of this world. Without their vulnerability and trust we wouldn’t have been able to tell this story.  We’re fortunate that OBB and Demi have had a long-standing partnership, and we’re exceptionally proud to be the producers behind her directorial debut. Demi and Nicola Marsh co-directed an incredible film that shines a light on an important issue, and our hope is that this film will positively affect the next generation of kids working in this evolving media landscape.”

“Child Star” is produced by Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman, Kfir Goldberg and Lovato. It’s executive produced by Glenn Stickley, Nicolar Marsh, SB’s Scooter Braun, Scott Manson, Jen McDaniels and James Shin.

“Child Star” will arrive on Hulu and Hulu On Disney+ on September 17th 2024.  It’s likely this documentary will also be released as a Star Original on Disney+ around the world, though this hasn’t yet been confirmed.

Roger’s Take: It’s going to be interesting seeing this documentary, as becoming a child star can’t be easy, though with Disney actually releasing the documentary on its own streaming service, it’s bound to result in some people questioning if they had editorial control over the project and if there is any criticism of the company in the documentary.

Are you looking forward to watching “Child Star”?  Let me know on social media!

Roger Palmer

Roger has been a Disney fan since he was a kid and this interest has grown over the years. He has visited Disney Parks around the globe and has a vast collection of Disney movies and collectibles. He is the owner of What's On Disney Plus & DisKingdom. Email: Roger@WhatsOnDisneyPlus.com Twitter: Twitter.com/RogPalmerUK Facebook: Facebook.com/rogpalmeruk

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