By Beth Deitchman
It’s a week for royal debuts: We’ve just learned that a new contemporary princess story is coming to Disney+. Production is now underway in Toronto on Secret Society of Second Born Royals, an original movie starring Peyton Elizabeth Lee.
Lee plays the rebellious princess Sam, who is second in line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria but who couldn’t be less interested in royal life. Sam’s story takes an unexpected turn when she discovers she has emerging superpowers—and a chance to use them for good by joining a secret society dedicated to (covertly) keeping the peace throughout the land. How will Sam fare in the group’s top-secret training program? Who are her fellow second-born spares to the throne? And will they save the world? The answers to these burning questions (and more) will be found on Disney+ when Secret Society of Second Born Royals premieres.
Disney fans know Lee best as the title character in the Disney Channel series Andi Mack, for which she was recently nominated for a 2019 Kid’s Choice Award. She has also appeared on ABC’s Scandal and Showtime’s Shameless, voiced a role on Disney Junior’s The Lion Guard and been featured in several national commercials.
“We are big fans of Peyton and are thrilled that she and the rest of the cast will bring this exciting world to life for Disney+,” said Agnes Chu, senior vice president, Content, Disney+. “We love the themes of self-discovery and empowerment inside Secret Society of Second Born Royals, and our partners at Disney Channel are the perfect team to deliver this movie with adventure, humor and heart.”
“From the moment we first met Peyton, we knew she was special. It’s been an absolute joy to witness her growth as an actor over three seasons of Andi Mack. Her authenticity and confidence will seamlessly complement the talented ensemble cast that will bring this unique story to life,” said Judy Taylor, senior vice president, Casting and Talent Relations, Disney Channels.
Joining Lee in the original movie as secret society classmates are Faly Rakotohavana as Prince Matteo, Isabella Blake Thomas as Princess January, Olivia Deeble as Princess Roxana, and Niles Fitch (This is Us) as Prince Tuma. Rounding out the cast are Skylar Astin (Pitch Perfect) as James, Elodie Yung (Daredevil) as Queen Catherine, Ashley Liao as Princess Eleanor, and Noah Lomax as Mike.
Secret Society of Second Born Royals is executive produced by Zanne Devine (I, Tonya, the Disney Channel Original Movie Kim Possible), Mike Karz (Valentine’s Day), and Austin Winsberg (Gossip Girl). Anna Mastro (Marvel’s Runaways, The Bold Type) directs from a teleplay written by Alex Litvak (Masters of the Universe) and Andrew Green (Hannah Montana) and based on an original story by Litvak, Green and Winsberg. Juliana Janes (Butter) is co-producer.
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