The FULL Descendants: The Rise Of Red Cast Revealed (Descendants 4) — Plus, The Shocking Time-Travel Plot Explained

The Disney Descendants universe is officially expanding, and as of late 2025, the highly anticipated fourth installment, titled Descendants: The Rise of Red, is set to introduce a whole new generation of Villain Kids (VKs) and Auradon Kids (AKs). This new musical movie, which was originally developed under the working title The Pocketwatch, marks a major shift for the franchise, centering on a fresh, time-traveling adventure that promises to be bigger and bolder than the previous films. The story will pivot away from the original core four—Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—to focus on two new protagonists: Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe Charming, the perfectionist daughter of Cinderella and King Charming.

This article provides the most up-to-date and complete breakdown of the official cast, the new characters they play, and the intriguing plot details that set this sequel apart. Get ready to meet the new faces stepping into the magical world of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost, including which beloved original VK is making a triumphant return. The film is directed by Jennifer Phan and features seven new songs alongside classic Disney tracks, ensuring the signature musical flair of the series remains intact.

Descendants: The Rise of Red – Official Cast and Characters List

The new movie features a mix of fresh talent and a few familiar faces, including the return of a major character from the original trilogy. The ensemble cast is led by two dynamic young actresses playing the central, polar-opposite heroes who must team up to save Auradon from a catastrophic time-related event. Here is the comprehensive list of the confirmed cast and the iconic Disney characters they portray.

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• Kylie Cantrall as Red: The rebellious and quick-witted daughter of the Queen of Hearts. Red is a brand-new Villain Kid (VK) who is forced to team up with Chloe Charming.
• Malia Baker as Chloe Charming: The perfectionist, over-achieving daughter of Cinderella and King Charming. She is an Auradon Kid (AK) who finds herself on an unexpected adventure with Red.
• China Anne McClain as Uma: The daughter of Ursula and a fan-favorite VK from Descendants 2 and 3. McClain is the only core returning VK from the previous films, confirming a connection to the original timeline.
• Brandy as Cinderella: Reprising her role from the 1997 television musical Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She is the mother of Chloe Charming and the Queen of Auradon.
• Rita Ora as The Queen of Hearts: The tyrannical and unstable mother of Red. Her past actions will be the catalyst for the entire time-traveling plot.
• Dara Reneé as Uliana: The mysterious and mischievous daughter of Ursula's sister, Uma's cousin. She is a new VK with a powerful connection to the sea.
• Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget: A new character, though her parentage is not yet widely confirmed, she is a key part of the new generation.
• Morgan Dudley as Ella: Likely a new Auradon Kid, possibly a friend or rival of Chloe.
• Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother: Reprising her role from the original trilogy as the headmistress of Auradon Prep.
• Joshua Colley as Hook: The son of Captain Hook, bringing a new pirate element to the VK lineup, separate from Harry Hook.
• Julee Cerda as Maleficent’s Daughter: A character from the Isle of the Lost, though the specific daughter is not yet confirmed.
• Sam Morelos as Maleficent: A new take on the iconic villain, likely appearing in the time-travel segments of the film.
• Jeremy Howard as Smee: The son of Captain Hook's first mate.
• Peder Lindell as Morgie: A new character whose parentage is currently unknown.
• Chris Pyatt as Hades: The Lord of the Underworld, a major villain from Descendants 3, now played by a new actor.

The Time-Bending Plot of Descendants: The Rise of Red

The story of Descendants: The Rise of Red (often referred to by fans as Descendants 4) throws out the standard sequel formula and introduces a high-stakes, time-travel narrative. The central conflict is sparked by a monumental celebration in Auradon, which is disrupted by a threat from the Queen of Hearts.

The plot is described as follows: Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe Charming, the meticulous daughter of Cinderella, are polar opposites. They are forced to cross paths when the Queen of Hearts threatens to kill Cinderella, Chloe's mother, during a momentous celebration in Auradon. To save the kingdom and prevent a catastrophic timeline change, the unlikely duo must team up.

Their mission leads them to steal the powerful "Pocketwatch" of the White Rabbit, a magical artifact that allows them to travel back in time. Their goal is to stop the Queen of Hearts’ murderous plot before it can be executed. However, as often happens with time travel, their journey doesn't go exactly as planned. They end up going back a little too far, finding themselves in a past version of Auradon, where they encounter younger versions of the classic Disney villains and heroes, including a younger version of the Queen of Hearts herself.

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This time-travel element allows the film to explore the origins of the Auradon-Isle of the Lost conflict and introduce fresh interpretations of classic characters like a younger Maleficent and Hades, played by new actors. The dynamic between Red, the VK, and Chloe, the AK, as they navigate the past to fix the future, forms the emotional core of this new adventure. The film promises a mix of high-energy musical numbers and a compelling mystery about how the past can be changed without destroying the present.

New Generation, New Direction: Why The Cast Shift Matters

The decision to introduce an almost entirely new cast for Descendants: The Rise of Red is a deliberate and smart move to revitalize the franchise. After the emotional conclusion of the original trilogy, which was tragically marked by the passing of original cast member Cameron Boyce (Carlos), continuing the story with the core four would have been challenging. This sequel, therefore, serves as a soft reboot, shifting the focus to the next generation of VKs and AKs while honoring the legacy of the original films.

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The new characters, Red and Chloe, represent a fresh take on the classic dichotomy of the series: the struggle between good and evil, nature versus nurture. Red, as the daughter of the volatile Queen of Hearts, must grapple with her inherent villainous lineage, while Chloe, the daughter of the beloved Cinderella, must confront her own expectations of perfection. Their forced partnership is the engine of the plot, providing a new layer of conflict and chemistry for fans to invest in. The introduction of characters like Uliana (Uma’s cousin) and a new Hook further expands the mythology of the Isle of the Lost, proving that the world of Disney villains is far from exhausted.

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The return of China Anne McClain as Uma is a crucial bridge between the old and new generations. Uma’s presence confirms that the events of Descendants 1, 2, and 3 are still canon, providing the necessary continuity and fan service. Her role is expected to be a mentor or guide to the new VKs, leveraging her experience as a former villain who chose the path of good. This blend of returning favorites and exciting new additions ensures that Descendants: The Rise of Red appeals to both longtime fans and a new audience eager for a fresh musical fantasy adventure. The film is set to premiere on Disney+ in 2024, promising a huge event for the streaming service.