The *Descendants* franchise has officially entered a new era, and as of its release on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, and its Disney Channel debut on August 9, 2024, *Descendants: The Rise of Red* has introduced a fresh cohort of Villain Kids (VKs) and Auradon Prep royalty. This fourth installment, a vibrant musical fantasy comedy, shifts the focus from the original core four to a new dynamic duo: Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming.
This article provides the most current and complete breakdown of the principal cast, their character backstories, and the surprising talent behind the camera, giving you the ultimate guide to the new generation of Auradon. The film not only brings back beloved faces but also introduces younger versions of classic Disney villains and heroes, adding a fascinating layer to the lore.
Meet the New Royal Duo: Main Cast Biographies and Characters
The success of *Descendants: The Rise of Red* rests heavily on the shoulders of its two new leading stars, who bring fresh energy to the franchise. Here is a detailed look at the new main cast and their previous work.
Kylie Cantrall as Red (Daughter of the Queen of Hearts)
- Full Name: Kylie Lorena Cantrall
- Born: June 25, 2005 (Age 19 as of late 2024)
- Hometown: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Role in *The Rise of Red*: Red, the rebellious and slightly cynical daughter of the Queen of Hearts. Red is a VK from the Isle of the Lost who, despite her mother's villainous reputation, struggles with her own identity and place in Auradon. Her central conflict involves a journey back in time with Chloe to prevent a catastrophic event.
- Previous Notable Roles: Cantrall is best known for starring as Gabby Duran in the Disney Channel comedy series *Gabby Duran & The Unsittables*. She also began her career as a singer and social media personality, gaining popularity with her YouTube channel and appearances on shows like *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* and *Bizaardvark*.
Malia Baker as Chloe Charming (Daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming)
- Full Name: Malia Simphiwe Baker
- Born: December 18, 2006 (Age 17 as of late 2024)
- Hometown: Born in Botswana, South Africa, and raised in Vancouver, Canada.
- Role in *The Rise of Red*: Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Chloe is a classic Auradon Prep student who is described as a good-natured perfectionist. She teams up with Red to use a magical pocket watch to travel back in time to stop the Queen of Hearts' rage.
- Previous Notable Roles: Baker rose to prominence for her acclaimed role as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series *The Baby-Sitters Club*, a role that showcased her dramatic and comedic range. Her background in both Africa and Canada gives her a unique perspective in her acting career.
The Full Cast List: Returning Favorites and Surprising New Villains
The ensemble cast of *The Rise of Red* is packed with established Disney Channel stars and veteran actors, many of whom play younger versions of iconic Disney characters, a key plot point of the film.
The film ingeniously uses time travel to introduce teenage versions of classic fairy tale figures, allowing the new cast to explore the origins of the heroes and villains we already know. This blending of past and present narratives significantly expands the *Descendants* universe, establishing a deeper topical authority for the franchise.
- China Anne McClain as Uma: A fan-favorite returning character, Uma (daughter of Ursula) is now the Headmaster of Auradon Prep, stepping into a new leadership role previously held by King Ben.
- Rita Ora as Queen of Hearts: The legendary singer and actress takes on the role of Red’s villainous mother, the Queen of Hearts, whose younger self is at the center of the time-travel plot.
- Dara Reneé as Uliana: Known for *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series*, Reneé plays Uliana, a powerful sea witch who is revealed to be Uma’s aunt.
- Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget: Turner plays the younger, teenage version of the Queen of Hearts, a character named Bridget, showing her life before she became the tyrannical royal.
- Morgan Dudley as Ella: Dudley portrays the younger, teenage version of Cinderella, giving audiences a glimpse into her life before she met Prince Charming.
- Joshua Colley as Hook: Colley takes on the role of the younger Captain Hook, the pirate villain from *Peter Pan*.
- Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother: Reprising her role from the original trilogy, Paxson returns as the Fairy Godmother, the headmistress of Auradon Prep in the previous films.
- Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin: Swift joins the cast as Principal Merlin, a new magical figure at Auradon.
- Leonardo Nam as Maddox Hatter: Nam plays Maddox Hatter, a new character tied to the Mad Hatter from *Alice in Wonderland*.
- Anthony Pyatt as Hades: Pyatt takes over the role of Hades, the God of the Underworld and Mal's father, who was previously played by Cheyenne Jackson.
Behind the Scenes: Director, Production, and The Soundtrack
While the cast brings the characters to life, the film's unique look and sound are the result of a powerhouse creative team, which is crucial for maintaining the high production quality of the *Descendants* legacy.
The Creative Forces
The film was helmed by an award-winning director and a strong writing team, ensuring the story felt both fresh and connected to the established universe.
- Director: The film was directed by Jennifer Phang, an acclaimed filmmaker known for her impactful work in science fiction and independent cinema. Her involvement brought a fresh, dynamic visual style to the musical fantasy.
- Writers: The screenplay was written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer, who crafted the time-travel plot that drives the core conflict between Red and Chloe.
- Executive Producers: Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh served as executive producers, maintaining continuity and quality control for the new Disney Original Movie.
Production and Filming Details
The production of *Descendants: The Rise of Red* was a major undertaking, with filming taking place across multiple prominent locations. The primary filming was conducted at Cinelease Studios – Three Ring Studio in Covington, Georgia, providing the necessary sound stages for the elaborate musical numbers and sets. Additional exterior shots and initial filming took place in Vancouver and Victoria, Canada, which have been traditional filming locations for the *Descendants* franchise, including the use of Hatley Castle as Auradon Prep in previous installments.
The Musical Heart: The Soundtrack
A *Descendants* film is incomplete without a memorable soundtrack, and *The Rise of Red* delivered a robust collection of new songs. The official soundtrack is now available on all major music streaming platforms.
The album features a total of 13 tracks, including seven brand-new original songs and two reprises of classic tunes. Standout musical performances come from the main cast, including Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker, as well as the powerful vocals of China Anne McClain, whose character Uma has become a cornerstone of the musical side of the franchise.
The film's success has already paved the way for future installments, with the announcement of a potential fifth *Descendants* movie, suggesting that the adventures of Red and Chloe are just beginning. This new chapter has successfully revitalized the beloved Disney saga, cementing its place as a cornerstone of modern Disney Channel movies.
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