The Descendants Cast: Where Are The VKs Now? Shocking New Projects & The Rise Of Red (2025 Update)

The *Descendants* franchise has evolved from a Disney Channel original movie series into a global phenomenon, captivating a generation with its tale of the Villain Kids (VKs) finding their place in the royal world of Auradon. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the cast has undergone a massive shift, with the original stars moving on to major Hollywood and music careers, while a new generation of VKs has taken the spotlight in the most recent installment, *Descendants: The Rise of Red*. This article provides the most current update on what the original core four are doing and introduces you to the fresh faces leading the next chapter of the saga.

The franchise remains one of Disney’s most successful properties, a testament to the unforgettable performances of the original cast and the enduring appeal of the children of classic Disney villains and heroes. The story continues to expand, ensuring that the magic—and the mischief—lives on with new descendants.

The Original Core Four: Complete Biography & 2025 Career Updates

The original cast, known affectionately as the "Core Four" or VKs, launched into superstardom following the 2015 debut of the first film. Their careers continue to flourish with major projects announced for 2025, cementing their status as A-list talent.

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• Dove Cameron (Mal, Daughter of Maleficent)
  • Born: January 15, 1996 (Age 29 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: *Liv and Maddie*, *Hairspray Live!*, *Schmigadoon!*, *Vengeance*.
  • 2025 Update: Cameron is focusing heavily on her music career, with her highly anticipated debut studio album (often referred to as 'DC1') expected to be released sometime in 2025. She released the single "Too Much" on February 21, 2025. In acting, she is set to star in the new thriller series *56 Days*, alongside Avan Jogia, which is slated for a late 2025 release. She is also attached to the independent film *Issac*.
• Sofia Carson (Evie, Daughter of the Evil Queen)
  • Born: April 10, 1993 (Age 32 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: *Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists*, *Feel the Beat*, *Purple Hearts*.
  • 2025 Update: Carson is one of Netflix's biggest stars. Her new romantic comedy-drama film, *The Life List*, is one of the most anticipated releases of the year, scheduled to stream on Netflix starting March 28, 2025. She stars as Alex Rose in the film, which is directed by Adam Brooks. She is also set to star in the adaptation of the novel *My Oxford Year*, which is also expected in 2025.
• Booboo Stewart (Jay, Son of Jafar)
  • Born: January 21, 1994 (Age 31 in 2025)
  • Hometown: Beverly Hills, California, U.S.
  • Notable Roles: *The Twilight Saga* (Seth Clearwater), *X-Men: Days of Future Past*, *Julie and the Phantoms*.
  • 2025 Update: Stewart continues to take on diverse roles across film and television. His upcoming work includes the animated movie *A Tooth Fairy Tale* (2025). He has also been active in the independent film scene, showcasing his range as an actor in projects far removed from the high-energy musical numbers of the *Descendants* series.
• Cameron Boyce (Carlos, Son of Cruella de Vil)
  • Born: May 28, 1999
  • Died: July 6, 2019 (Age 20)
  • Legacy: Boyce’s tragic passing from epilepsy in 2019 left a huge void in the *Descendants* family. His final appearance was in *Descendants 3*. The Cameron Boyce Foundation was established in his honor to provide young people with creative outlets and advocate for epilepsy awareness. His kindness, talent, and passion for philanthropy are an enduring part of the franchise's history and the lives of his co-stars.

The New Generation: Introducing The Descendants: The Rise of Red Cast

The franchise was officially revived with a new standalone film, *Descendants: The Rise of Red*, which premiered on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, and had its Disney Channel debut on August 9, 2024. This film introduces a fresh set of VKs and Auradon Prep students, focusing on the daughter of the Queen of Hearts and the daughter of Cinderella. The new cast members bring a vibrant energy and a new chapter to the world of Auradon.

Kylie Cantrall (Princess Red)

Kylie Cantrall steps into the lead role as Princess Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts. Red is a VK who finds herself reluctantly teaming up with a new Auradon princess. Cantrall, born June 25, 2005, is a multi-talented actress, singer-songwriter, and social media personality. Before becoming the new face of *Descendants*, she was best known for playing the title character on the Disney Channel series *Gabby Duran & the Unsittables*. She also appeared in the final season of *High School Musical: The Musical: The Series* as Dani. Her casting signals a major shift in the franchise's focus, moving the story forward with a new set of high-stakes adventures and musical numbers.

Malia Baker (Chloe)

Malia Baker plays Chloe, the perfectionist and overachieving daughter of Cinderella and King Charming. Born December 18, 2006, in Botswana and raised in Vancouver, Canada, Baker is a rising star who gained significant recognition for her role as Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series *The Baby-Sitters Club*. Her performance as the cautious and kind-hearted Chloe provides a necessary balance to Red's chaotic energy, creating the perfect new central duo for the series.

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Returning and Supporting Cast Members

The new movie also delighted fans by bringing back a beloved original VK. China Anne McClain reprised her role as Uma, the daughter of Ursula and the pirate queen of the Isle of the Lost, providing a crucial link between the original trilogy and the new story. Additionally, Melanie Paxson returned as the Fairy Godmother.

The ensemble cast for *The Rise of Red* features several other key entities and actors, expanding the rich lore of the Disney universe:

• Dara Reneé as Uliana (The youngest sister of Ursula and aunt to Uma).
• Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget.
• Morgan Dudley as Ella (The daughter of Cinderella's stepmother).
• Jeremy Swift as Principal Merlin.

The Future of Auradon: Descendants 5 and Beyond

The success of *Descendants: The Rise of Red* has already fueled speculation and early announcements about the franchise’s future. Disney is clearly committed to continuing the story with the new generation of stars, with rumors and reports pointing toward a potential fifth installment.

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Reports suggest a fifth movie, tentatively titled *Descendants: Wicked Wonderland*, is already in development. This sequel is expected to see the return of both Kylie Cantrall's Princess Red and Malia Baker's Chloe. Furthermore, the cast is set to expand with even more descendants of classic characters.

New Descendants entities rumored for the next film include: Liamani Segura as Pink (Red's sister), Brendon Tremblay as Max Hatter (son of the Mad Hatter), and Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal (a new character from the *Encanto* universe). The continued expansion of the *Descendants* universe, incorporating characters from various Disney classics, including the more recent animated hits, ensures the franchise maintains its fresh and unique appeal for years to come.

From the global music career of Dove Cameron to Sofia Carson's burgeoning filmography with Netflix, the original cast has truly grown into international stars. The new cast, led by Cantrall and Baker, has successfully taken the baton, proving that the adventures of the VKs and the heroes of Auradon are far from over. The legacy of the original Core Four, especially the memory of Cameron Boyce, continues to inspire the new generation as the *Descendants* saga enters its most exciting, and most current, chapter yet.

The blend of nostalgia, fresh storytelling, and incredible musical talent ensures that the *Descendants* cast, both old and new, will remain a dominant force in pop culture throughout 2025 and beyond.