By Zach Johnson
The next Descendants movie is officially in production — and today, Disney Branded Television shared a first look at the cast on the set of the music-and-dance-fueled film, which centers around the teenage progeny of Disney’s most iconic characters and villains.
In the highly anticipated fifth chapter of the mega-popular film franchise, Descendants: The Rise of Red stars Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker reprise their roles as Princesses Red and Chloe, the daughters of the Queen of Hearts and Cinderella, respectively, and Leonardo Nam returns as Maddox Hatter. Also joining the cast of the upcoming film are Liamani Segura as Pink, sister of Red; Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter, son of Maddox Hatter; Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal, son of Luisa Madrigal; Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook, daughter of Captain Hook; Joel Oulette as Robbie, son of Robin Hood; Zavien Garrett as Felix, son of Dr. Facilier; and Ryan McEwen and Dayton Paradis, twin sons of Mr. Smee.
“The love for the Descendants franchise runs deep, and the incredible response to Descendants: The Rise of Red last year proved just how much fans are invested in these characters and their stories,” Ayo Davis, President, Disney Branded Television, said when the fifth Descendants movie was announced. “Our next movie will build on that legacy and deliver even more of the magic, music, and heart that make Descendants so special—brought to life by an amazing cast and creative team who continue to elevate this world in new and exciting ways.”
Picking up shortly after the events of Descendants: The Rise of Red, the fifth film explores what “happily ever after” is really like for Red and Chloe in the wake of their time-traveling adventures. Set primarily in present-day Wonderland, the sequel delves into the warning from the end of the last movie: “There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time.”
Executive producers Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh return to the Descendants franchise, with Kimmy Gatewood directing and co-producing the fifth chapter, from a script by co-executive producer Tamara Chestna and Dan Frey and Ru Sommer. EmmyⓇ Award winner Emilio Dosal is choreographing the music-and-dance sequences, a staple of the franchise.
In an exclusive interview with D23.com last summer, Davis shared her immense pride in being able to “re-launch the franchise with a new story, new characters, and a new set of talent,” adding, “Our Descendants talent is amazing and has connected with generations of fans by truly embodying their characters and putting their heart and soul into their performances. We have had iconic stars like Kristen Chenoweth, and now Rita Ora and Brandy, and next-generation talent like Dove [Cameron] and Sofia [Carson], and now Kylie and Malia — to name just a few! From singing, to dancing, to acting, they are such stars, and they have cemented their place in the hearts of fans all over the world.”
Fans of all ages can see their favorite stars take the stage when the North American “Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour” kicks off this summer, featuring performances by Descendants: The Rise of Red’s Cantrall, Baker, Dara Reneé, and Joshua Colley and ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires’ Freya Skye, Malachi Barton, and Mekonnen Knife.