'I started promoting a 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist': Miley Cyrus willed the Hannah Montana anniversary special 'into existence'

Miley Cyrus willed the Hannah Montana anniversary special "into existence".

The 33-year-old pop star played the titular character in the hit Disney sitcom between 2006 and 2011, and Miley started discussing the prospect of making a 20th anniversary special before being approached about the idea.

She told Variety: "I learned this terrible habit — but I actually think it was good advice — from Dolly [Parton]. She told me that if you want something to happen, promote it before it exists. Then no one can say no. So I just started promoting a ‘Hannah Montana’ 20th-anniversary special that literally did not exist.

"I think even Disney sometimes forgets the connection between me and Hannah.

"It’s not just a TV show. I see daily how important Hannah is to people. When I travel, people bring me ‘Hannah’ merch. They ask, ‘Are you ever going to do another season?’"

Miley ultimately started sending fan reactions to the idea to Disney.

Charlie Andrews, a Disney executive who helps to foster new fandoms for old Disney Channel shows, explained: "She willed it into existence.

"The thing she was adamant about is that this is for the fans. That has gone into literally every decision she has made."