5 Shocking Reasons Why Dove Cameron Is NOT In Descendants 4 (The Rise Of Red) And Her Emotional Stance

The question of whether Dove Cameron will return as Mal in Descendants 4 has been on the minds of fans for years, but the definitive answer is now clear. As of late 2025, the fourth installment in the mega-hit Disney Channel franchise, officially titled Descendants: The Rise of Red, is moving forward with an entirely new cast and a fresh narrative direction, confirming that the original star is not expected to reprise her leading role. This major shake-up is not just a creative decision; it's deeply rooted in the emotional legacy of the franchise and the tragic loss that reshaped the cast's perspective.

The new film, a Disney+ Original Movie, introduces a fresh generation of VKs (Villain Kids) and AKs (Auradon Kids), shifting the focus to Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts. While the new movie is set to continue the magical story, the absence of Dove Cameron, alongside original co-stars Sofia Carson (Evie) and Booboo Stewart (Jay), marks a significant, and for many fans, heartbreaking, departure from the beloved original trilogy.

Dove Cameron: A Brief Biography and Career Profile

Dove Cameron, born Chloe Celeste Hosterman, is an American actress and singer who rose to international fame through her work with the Disney Channel. Her career trajectory has since expanded into mainstream music and acting, solidifying her status as a versatile and globally recognized artist.

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• Full Name: Chloe Celeste Hosterman
• Stage Name: Dove Olivia Cameron
• Date of Birth: January 15, 1996
• Place of Birth: Seattle, Washington, U.S.
• Breakthrough Role: Playing the dual title roles in the Disney Channel sitcom Liv and Maddie (2013–2017).
• Iconic Role: Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, in the Descendants film series (2015–2019).
• Major Music Success: Her 2022 single "Boyfriend" became a global viral hit, earning her a platinum certification and significant chart success.
• Recent Awards: She won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2023 for her work on the cast album of the musical Schmigadoon!.
• Current Projects: She continues to focus on her music career, releasing new singles and EPs, and has taken on more mature, diverse acting roles outside of the Disney sphere.

The Real Reason Dove Cameron Won't Be Mal in 'Descendants: The Rise of Red'

The fourth installment, Descendants: The Rise of Red, serves as a spin-off and a soft reboot of the franchise, rather than a direct sequel following the original core cast. The decision to move on without the original VKs—Mal, Evie, and Jay—is multi-faceted, involving creative direction, the actors' evolving careers, and, most poignantly, a deep emotional factor.

1. The Emotional Legacy of Cameron Boyce

The single most crucial factor influencing the original cast's return is the tragic death of co-star Cameron Boyce, who played Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil, in 2019.

• A "Super Wrong" Feeling: Dove Cameron has been very vocal about the emotional difficulty of continuing the series without Boyce. She stated in a recent interview that doing a *Descendants 4* with the original cast would feel "super wrong" and "incredibly painful" without him.
• The End of an Era: For the original core four—Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—their story felt complete with *Descendants 3*. Boyce’s passing cemented that feeling, making a continuation of their specific narrative arc almost impossible to imagine for the surviving actors.
• Respect for the Loss: Disney and the production team have respected this sentiment, choosing to launch a new story with a new generation of characters instead of trying to replace or write out a beloved character from the original quartet.

2. A New Creative Direction and Spin-Off Focus

Descendants: The Rise of Red is not a direct sequel but a spin-off that focuses on a different corner of the Auradon universe. The film centers on Red (Kylie Cantrall), the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe (Malia Baker), the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming.

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• New Protagonists: The story follows Red and Chloe as they team up to travel back in time using the Queen of Hearts' pocket watch to prevent a catastrophic event.
• Moving Beyond Mal's Story: Mal's journey from a villain kid to the future Queen of Auradon was largely concluded in the original trilogy. The new film seeks to explore new villainous offspring and royal children, allowing the franchise to expand without relying on the original characters.
• A Fresh Start: This spin-off approach allows the franchise to attract a new audience while offering a fresh take on the magical world established by the first three films. The original stars' characters are now part of the history of Auradon, mentioned but not central to the new plot.

3. Dove Cameron's Evolving Career and New Artistic Path

Since the conclusion of the *Descendants* trilogy, Dove Cameron has successfully transitioned from a Disney star to a formidable artist in the mainstream entertainment world. Her current focus is on projects that align with her evolving artistic identity.

• Music Industry Success: The massive success of her single "Boyfriend" and her subsequent music releases have positioned her as a serious, mature pop artist.
• Diverse Acting Roles: She has taken on roles in projects like *Schmigadoon!* and other non-Disney productions, which showcase her range and appeal to an older demographic.
• Focus on Original Music: Her commitment to touring and releasing original music makes a full-time return to the rigorous production schedule of a Disney musical movie challenging.

Will Dove Cameron Ever Return to the Descendants Universe?

While Dove Cameron is not in *Descendants: The Rise of Red*, the door for her return as Mal is not entirely closed. The actress herself has commented on the possibility of a future cameo or involvement in a subsequent installment, such as a hypothetical *Descendants 5*.

The Possibility of a Cameo Appearance

Dove Cameron has expressed immense gratitude for the *Descendants* films, acknowledging that they "made me who I am." This love for the franchise and the character of Mal suggests that she would be open to a brief return in the future.

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• A Passing of the Torch: A cameo in a future film could serve as a symbolic "passing of the torch" to the new generation of VKs, similar to how original Disney characters often make appearances in spin-offs.
• The Role of Queen Mal: Since Mal is now the Queen of Auradon, a brief appearance to advise the new characters or preside over a royal event would be a natural fit for her character's current status in the narrative.
• Future Installments: Rumors and fan discussions have already begun about a potential *Descendants 5* (2026), suggesting that if the new film is successful, the franchise will continue. It is in these future installments that a cameo from Mal is most likely to occur, once the new cast has established its own footing.

In conclusion, while the absence of Dove Cameron in *Descendants: The Rise of Red* is disappointing for many, it is a necessary and respectful creative decision. It honors the memory of Cameron Boyce and allows the actress to pursue her thriving career while giving the *Descendants* universe a chance to grow and evolve with new, exciting stories for a new generation of fans.