Production on Final Season of ‘Hannah Montana’ Starts Monday; Season 3 Finale in March

Production begins Monday in Hollywood on the fourth season of the global sensation “Hannah Montana,” one filled with exciting, pivotal story arcs and event episodes. The hit series’ finale episode will air in spring 2011 on Disney Channel U.S. and, shortly thereafter, on Disney Channels around the world, where the total of 101 episodes will continue in daily encore telecasts. Starring Miley Cyrus in the title role, the Emmy-nominated comedy has dominated the kid and tween business and impacted popular culture since its 2006 debut. Its soundtracks are among the biggest, fastest successes the pop charts have seen in years, and the series provided a springboard for the multitalented Cyrus to become an international superstar with projects spanning Disney’s television, music, radio, consumer products and film divisions, including a #1 debut movie that grossed nearly $150 million at the global box office.

“’Hannah Montana’ has defined a generation of kids and tweens – not just as a television event, but as a significant moment in pop culture history. This fourth season is an expression of Miley Cyrus’ personal commitment to ensuring that ‘Hannah’ will live forever in the hearts and minds of kids everywhere,” said Gary Marsh, Chief Creative Officer and President, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide.

A two-part cliffhanger, “Miley Says Goodbye?,” will conclude the current season SUNDAY, MARCH 7 and SUNDAY, MARCH 14 (7:30 p.m., ET/PT both nights) on Disney Chanel. In the episode, which will also be available on DVD from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Miley Stewart faces the biggest decision of her life – whether to say goodbye to her life in Malibu or to listen to her heart and return to her Crowley Corners ranch and beloved horse Blue Jeans in Tennessee. Meanwhile, Jackson (played by Jason Earles) moves into his own apartment, Lilly (played by actress and recording artist Emily Osment) is contemplating what to do after her mom accepts a job in Atlanta, and Oliver (played by actor and recording artist Mitchel Musso) must decide whether to stay with his two best friends or go on the road to pursue his fledgling music career.

The fourth season, debuting on Disney Channel in summer 2010, will introduce all-new songs, music videos and sets.  The storyline finds Miley Stewart questioning whether she has the best of both worlds and if she can continue with her alter-ego, Hannah Montana, or leave it all behind forever to be an ordinary girl. The season will include guest stars Ray Liotta (“Goodfellas”) and Angus T. Jones (“Two and a Half Men”), among others.