Disney Exposed in 'Child Star' Documentary

The Walt Disney Company might be responsible for some of the most imaginative products, films, and theme park experiences, but all magic comes at a price. Just ask any former child star or child actor on kids TV like Bobby Driscoll , Lindsay Lohan, or Brittany Spears what came with their piece of Disney fame.

Demi Lovato in Camp Rock — Credit: Disney Channel

Demi Lovato, who cut her teeth on Disney projects like As the Bell Rings, Sonny with a Chance, and Camp Rock (2008), is set to lead Child Star (2024), a Disney+ documentary that takes a peek behind that magical curtain.

After overcoming her own struggles with fame as a singer/songwriter, Lovato invites other child stars such as Drew Barrymore, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, Alyson Stoner, and many others to share their child stardom experiences behind the scenes.

The world of Hollywood can be a cutthroat industry, and everybody wants a chance and the limelight. However, there often tends to be a certain stereotype regarding child actors. Could they really be a curse on these Disney Channel and Disney movie stars?

Child Star: Behind the Magic

Two women sit across from each other at a wooden table in a cozy café, engaged in conversation that feels like a scene straight out of a feel-good Disney documentary. Both have drinks in front of them: one has a dark, fizzy beverage in a glass, and the other has a white mug. The background shows a homely café interior. — Credit: Disney

There has almost always been a certain level of infamy when it comes to being a child star: they grow up to become big names in the movie industry, or they fall hard into a life of sex, drugs, and scandal. In today’s media, they are frequently portrayed as struggling with fame and fortune, leading to personal and professional challenges later in life.

While there are definitely some exceptions to the rule, Disney’s Child stars often run the gambit of being tremendous successes (like Zac Efron) or falling into a life of struggle and eventual suffering (like Bobby Driscoll). Now, it seems like Disney might be blowing the whistle on its own magical empire.

Bringing Down the Mouse

Credit: Disney

Images for the new Disney documentary surface this week as Disney+ prepares to release Child Star on the magical streaming platform. Roger Palmer of What’s On Disney Plus shared the following description in the initial announcement.

“Through celebrity interviews, verite scenes, and archival footage, this film deconstructs the stages of earlier stardom and looks at the entertainment system over the last century. Lovato sits down with iconic former child stars such as Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Raven-Symoné, JoJo Siwa, Alyson Stoner, and more to reflect on their personal experiences working in the entertainment industry in never-before-heard stories. Together, they take a look at the next generation of child actors and how to move forward in an ever-changing landscape.”

Similar to how Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV exposed the shocking truth about shows on Nickelodeon with stars like Drake Bell and Jennette McCurdy, it feels like this new Disney doc could do the same thing, but coming primarily from a direct source. Could this be a confession from the House of Mouse?

Demi Lovato has struggled with her own rise and fall, most notably an infamous cocaine addiction that has affected her life since 2018. Although it is currently unknown what direction her new documentary will take, it feels like Disney is either blowing the whistle or trying to save face in today’s social climate.

Child Star will be released on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, on Hulu and Disney+ in the United States and across Star and other Disney-owned platforms.

Do you think Disney is preparing a big exposé on itself? Let Inside the Magic know in the comments down below!