Demi Lovato is stepping into the director’s chair for the first time with an ambitious new project that promises to delve deep into the world of child stardom. The upcoming documentary, titled “Child Star,” will explore the complexities and challenges faced by young celebrities as they grow up in the public eye. Lovato, who rose to fame as a child star on Disney Channel, will draw on their own experiences as well as those of other former child stars.
The Hollywood Reporter has unveiled the impressive roster of participants for “Child Star,” including Drew Barrymore, known for her own tumultuous journey through child stardom, Nickelodeon’s Kenan Thompson, and Christina Ricci, famous for her role in The Addams Family. The documentary will also feature insights from Disney’s Raven-Symone, Jojo Siwa of Dance Moms, and Alyson Stoner, who starred alongside Lovato in Camp Rock. This diverse lineup reflects a range of experiences and perspectives on the pressures and pitfalls of growing up in the spotlight.
In an interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Lovato expressed their enthusiasm about the project, saying, “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.” Lovato hopes that “Child Star” will offer viewers a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by young entertainers and contribute to creating a safer and more supportive environment for future generations in the industry.
Nicola Marsh, a renowned co-director known for her work on Netflix’s acclaimed Stay on Board: The Leo Baker Story, is taking on the role of executive producer for “Child Star.” Reflecting on the project, Marsh commented, “It was a real peek into 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.” Marsh’s involvement promises to bring a nuanced and empathetic perspective to the documentary, exploring the often-hidden struggles of child stars.
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Michael D. Ratner, the CEO of OBB Media and director of the revealing docu-series Demi Lovato: Dancing with the Devil (2021), is also joining the project. Ratner’s previous successes, including The Kid Laroi: Kids Are Growing Up (2024) and Justin Bieber’s Seasons, have established him as a significant voice in documentary filmmaking. Ratner, along with Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman, Kfir Goldberg, and Demi Lovato, is expected to bring a wealth of experience and creative vision to “Child Star.”
The documentary is being supported by Hulu, which has provided a platform for “Child Star” to reach a wide audience. Michael D. Ratner expressed his gratitude towards Hulu, stating, “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 on this world.” With the backing of such a major streaming service, “Child Star” is poised to spark important conversations about the realities of growing up in the entertainment industry.
The involvement of Scott Manson, Jen McDaniels, and James Shin from Scooter Braun’s SB Productions, along with Glenn Stickley as co-executive producer, further underscores the high profile of this documentary. Their collective expertise is expected to enhance the depth and impact of the film.
In summary, “Child Star” promises to be a compelling and insightful exploration of the world of child stardom, guided by Demi Lovato’s unique perspective and supported by a talented team of filmmakers. As the documentary prepares to debut, it will undoubtedly contribute to a broader understanding of the experiences and challenges faced by young stars in the entertainment industry.
