Disney Branded Television has officially announced the development of the highly anticipated fifth installment in the Descendants franchise. This new film will continue the music-driven and dance-filled narratives that have captivated audiences worldwide. Set to begin production soon for Disney Channel and Disney+, the upcoming film will explore the evolving journeys of the teenage descendants of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains.
The sequel will pick up where Descendants: The Rise of Red left off, diving deeper into the world of Wonderland. Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker are confirmed to reprise their roles as Princess Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Princess Chloe, daughter of Cinderella. The story will follow their return to present-day Wonderland and uncover the consequences of their time-traveling adventures. The warning at the end of The Rise of Red—”There are consequences when you alter the fabric of time”—will take center stage in this new chapter.
New and Returning Characters Bring Wonderland to Life
In addition to Cantrall and Baker, Leonardo Nam will reprise his role as Maddox Hatter, further cementing Wonderland as the primary setting for this film. Several new characters will make their franchise debut, expanding the ever-growing Descendants universe.
- Liamani Segura as Pink, Red’s sister
- Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter, son of the Mad Hatter
- Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal, a new connection to the Encanto universe
- Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook, daughter of Captain Hook
With casting still underway, additional characters will be announced in the coming months.
A Star-Studded Creative Team
The upcoming film boasts a talented creative team that promises to elevate the Descendants legacy. Acclaimed director Kimmy Gatewood (The Baby-sitters Club, Girls5eva) will helm the project. The screenplay is crafted by Tamara Chestna (Sneakerella) along with Dan Frey and Ru Sommer, who also worked on Descendants: The Rise of Red.
Returning to produce are Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh, both of whom have played key roles in shaping the Descendants universe. Gatewood will also serve as a co-producer.
The film’s music and dance sequences will be choreographed by Emmy Award-winning choreographer Emilio Dosal, known for his work on Wicked and Sneakerella. The Descendants franchise has long been celebrated for its high-energy musical numbers, and this installment will be no exception.
Disney Branded Television’s Commitment to the Franchise
Disney Branded Television President Ayo Davis shared her enthusiasm for the latest installment, emphasizing the franchise’s enduring popularity and the excitement surrounding this next chapter.
“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,” Davis stated. “Our next movie will build on that legacy and deliver even more of the magic, music, and heart that make Descendants so special. The cast and creative team continue to elevate this world in new and exciting ways.”
A Legacy of Success
Since its inception, the Descendants franchise has been a powerhouse in youth entertainment. The premiere of each of the first three films ranked as the most-watched cable movie of its respective year (2015, 2017, and 2019) among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14.
Descendants: The Rise of Red, which debuted on Disney+ in July 2024, became the most-watched original movie across all streaming platforms among Kids 6-11 and Girls 6-11 that year. The film’s success extended beyond the screen, as the Descendants social media accounts reached over 10 billion impressions and amassed over 11 million followers across X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. The character of Red also became one of 2024’s top-selling Halloween costumes.
Expanding the Descendants Universe
Beyond the films, the Descendants brand continues to thrive through music, literature, and live performances. The franchise’s impact includes:
- Two gold-certified soundtracks
- The third and fourth movie soundtracks reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack and Children’s Album charts
- Over 57 published books, including a four-time New York Times bestselling series
- The upcoming Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour, a North America-wide concert event celebrating the music of both franchises
Where to Watch the Descendants Films
Fans eager to revisit the Descendants universe can find the following titles streaming now on Disney+:
- Descendants (2015)
- Descendants 2 (2017)
- Descendants 3 (2019)
- Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)
- Descendants: Wicked World (animated series)
- Descendants: The Royal Wedding (animated special)
- Several Descendants-inspired music videos
What’s Next for the Descendants Franchise?
With production for the fifth film set to begin soon, anticipation is at an all-time high. The story promises to take fans deeper into Wonderland, exploring the repercussions of Red and Chloe’s past actions while introducing new characters and conflicts.
As Disney Branded Television continues to expand this beloved franchise, fans can expect more magic, music, and surprises in the near future.
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