Updated with more casting news
Disney has officially given the green light to the fifth installment in the Descendants franchise, with production set to begin soon. The upcoming film, which will follow the events of Descendants: The Rise of Red, brings back Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker as Princesses Red and Chloe, daughters of the Queen of Hearts and Cinderella, respectively.
Continuing the musical fantasy saga that spotlights the teenage offspring of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains, the new chapter is largely set in present-day Wonderland. Joining Cantrall and Baker in reprising their roles is Leonardo Nam, who returns as Maddox Hatter, son of the Mad Hatter.
Expanding the ensemble, the film introduces several new characters to the franchise. Zavien Garrett (The Flash), Joel Oulette (Trickster), Ryan McEwen (Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies), and Dayton Paradis have been added to the cast. They join previously cast Kiara Romero (The J Team, Drowning), Liamani Segura (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series), Brendon Tremblay (Altar), and Alexandro Byrd (The Legend of Juan Jose Mundo).
- Garrett will be Felix Facilier, the son of Dr. Facilier from Disney’s The Princess and The Frog
- Oulette will be playing Robbie Hood, the son of Robin Hood
- McEwen and Paradis will play the twin sons of Mr. Smee from Peter Pan, Squirmy Smee and Squeaky Smee
- Segura steps into the role of Red’s younger sister, Pink
- Romero is set to portray Hazel Hook, daughter of the infamous Captain Hook.
- Tremblay plays Max Hatter, Maddox’s sibling
- Byrd joins as Luis Madrigal, the son of Encanto’s Luisa Madrigal
A New Chapter in the Descendants Saga
Picking up shortly after the events of The Rise of Red, the yet-to-be-titled sequel explores what “happily ever after” truly means for Red and Chloe following their time-traveling adventure. The film also delves into the warning issued at the end of the previous movie: “There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time.”
Kimmy Gatewood (The Baby-Sitters Club) is on board to direct, with a screenplay penned by Tamara Chestna (Sneakerella), Dan Frey, and Ru Sommer (Descendants: The Rise of Red). Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh return as executive producers, with Gatewood also serving as co-producer. Emmy-winning choreographer Emilio Dosal (Wicked, Sneakerella) joins the franchise to bring a fresh approach to the film’s dance sequences.
Disney Branded Television Expands Descendants Legacy
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, expressed enthusiasm for the new film, stating:
“The love for the Descendants franchise runs deep, and the incredible response to Descendants: The Rise of Red last year proved just how much audiences are invested in these characters and their stories. 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.”
The Descendants franchise has been a massive success for Disney, with each of the first three films ranking as the most-watched cable movie of their respective years (2015, 2017, and 2019) among key youth demographics. Descendants: The Rise of Red debuted on Disney+ in July 2024 and quickly became the most-watched original streaming movie of the year among Kids 6-11 and Girls 6-11.
Representation and Industry Players
New cast members come with strong industry representation. Kiara Romero is repped by Arise Artists Agency and Vault Entertainment, Liamani Segura by Rebel Creative Group, LiveWire Entertainment, and Yorn, Levine, Barnes. Brendon Tremblay is repped by Luber Roklin Entertainment and The Characters Talent Agency, while Alexandro Byrd is represented by Buchwald, Hyphenate, and Hansen Jacobsen.
With a blend of returning favorites and fresh faces, the next Descendants film is shaping up to be another spellbinding adventure for fans of the beloved franchise.
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