Demi Lovato is shining a spotlight on the challenges of growing up famous in her directorial debut, “Child Star,” set to premiere on Hulu on September 17. The documentary features some of the most recognizable former child stars, including Raven-Symoné, Drew Barrymore, Kenan Thompson, Christina Ricci, Alyson Stoner, and JoJo Siwa, sharing their deeply personal stories about the impact of early fame.
The trailer, recently released by Lovato, offers a glimpse into the experiences of these former child stars as they recount their journeys through the entertainment industry. “’Child Star’ explores the highs and lows of growing up in the spotlight through the lens of some of the world’s most well-known former child stars,” reads the official description. The film uses a mix of celebrity interviews, behind-the-scenes footage, and archival clips to dissect the complexities of early stardom and how the entertainment industry has evolved over the past century.
Lovato and her featured guests candidly address the darker aspects of their early careers. In the trailer, Lovato reveals a harrowing personal experience: “The popular girls signed a suicide petition saying that I should kill myself.” Other stars, like Thompson and Siwa, open up about financial exploitation, while Barrymore and Ricci discuss being exposed to substances at a young age. Stoner and Lovato also reflect on their shared experience on Disney’s “Camp Rock,” which propelled Lovato to fame.
“There definitely is not a manual on how to navigate this industry at such a young age,” Lovato states in the documentary. “I wouldn’t end up where I am had I not made all the choices leading up to this point. But it came at a price.”
In addition to revisiting the past, “Child Star” also looks forward, examining how the next generation of young actors can navigate the pressures of fame in today’s rapidly changing landscape. The documentary aims to inspire industry reforms to protect young talent, with Lovato noting in the trailer, “It scares me to hear that these kids are making tens of millions of dollars. There have to be protections put in place.”
Produced by Lovato alongside Michael D. Ratner, Scott Ratner, Miranda Sherman, and Kfir Goldberg for OBB Pictures, and DLG, “Child Star” also features Nicola B. Marsh as co-director. Executive producers include Scooter Braun, Scott Manson, Jen McDaniels, James Shin, and Glenn Stickley.
Lovato’s foray into directing comes at a time when the conversation around the mental and emotional toll of child stardom is more relevant than ever, following in the footsteps of recent documentaries like “Showbiz Kids” and “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.” As Lovato navigates her own path from childhood fame to adulthood, “Child Star” serves as both a reflection on her journey and a call to action for the industry to do better by its youngest stars.
“Child Star” premieres on Hulu on September 17.