Card Queen Unmasked: Who Played The Villainous Queen Of Hearts In Descendants: The Rise Of Red?

The iconic, villainous Queen of Hearts from *Alice in Wonderland* has been brought to life in the newest installment of the Disney franchise, *Descendants: The Rise of Red*, and the actress behind the fiery monarch is a global pop music sensation. As of late 2024, the adult Queen of Hearts is portrayed by the multi-talented British singer and actress, Rita Ora, marking a major casting coup for the Disney+ original movie. This article dives deep into her transformation, the inspiration behind her performance, and the other actress who played the character's younger self.

The latest film, which premiered on Disney+, introduces a time-travel plot that allows fans to see both the present-day Queen of Hearts and her rebellious teenage daughter, Red. Rita Ora’s take on the character is a dramatic, high-fashion, and wonderfully over-the-top performance that solidifies her as one of the franchise's most memorable villains, perfectly capturing the "Off with their heads!" spirit of the classic Lewis Carroll character.

Rita Ora: The Global Superstar Behind The Queen of Hearts

Rita Sahatçiu Ora, known professionally as Rita Ora, is the powerhouse performer who stepped into the Queen of Hearts' massive shoes for *Descendants: The Rise of Red*. While primarily known for her chart-topping music career, Ora has successfully ventured into acting, bringing a unique blend of star power and theatrical flair to the Disney villain.

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Rita Ora's Essential Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Rita Sahatçiu Ora
• Born: November 26, 1990
• Birth Place: Pristina, SFR Yugoslavia (now Kosovo)
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Television Personality, and Actress
• Notable Albums: *Ora* (2012), *Phoenix* (2018)
• Notable Film Roles: Mia Grey in the *Fifty Shades* film series, Queen of Hearts in *Descendants: The Rise of Red*
• Notable TV Roles: Judge on *The X Factor* and *The Voice UK*
• Descendants Role: Queen of Hearts (mother of Red) in *Descendants: The Rise of Red*

Ora's casting was a major announcement for the fourth installment of the mega-hit franchise, which was initially referred to by the working title The Pocketwatch. Her involvement immediately signaled a new era for the Descendants universe, promising a high-production, musical fantasy comedy with a fresh, contemporary edge.

Transforming Into The Villainous Monarch

The Queen of Hearts is a character renowned for her extravagant costumes, dramatic makeup, and fiery temper. Rita Ora's portrayal in *Descendants: The Rise of Red* is no exception, with the actress embracing the villainous role with enthusiasm and a clear vision.

Inspiration: Drag Queens and High Fashion

When discussing her approach to the character, Rita Ora revealed that she drew significant inspiration from the world of drag queens. This influence is evident in the character's bold, theatrical makeup and highly stylized costumes, which give the Queen of Hearts a modern, fashion-forward sensibility while still honoring the classic story. Ora's goal was to create an original twist on the iconic villain, making her uniquely her own.

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Her elaborate wardrobe and signature red, white, and black color palette are instantly recognizable, designed to be both menacing and captivating. The visual spectacle of her transformation was a major talking point in the lead-up to the film's release, with her debut of the costume generating significant buzz across social media.

Ora's commitment to playing the villain has been a source of fun for the actress. She has publicly expressed her desire to continue taking on dark roles, finding the process of exploring a villain's psyche to be creatively rewarding. This dedication shines through in her portrayal of the demanding and powerful Queen of Hearts.

The Next Generation of Descendants: Red and The Queen's Legacy

*Descendants: The Rise of Red* centers on the relationship between the Queen of Hearts and her rebellious teenage daughter, Red, who is played by actress and singer Kylie Cantrall. Red, the titular character, is forced to team up with Chloe Charming, the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming, to prevent a coup.

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The dynamic between Rita Ora's Queen of Hearts and Kylie Cantrall's Red is the emotional core of the film. Cantrall, who plays the daughter determined to forge her own path outside the shadow of her infamous mother, has spoken highly of working with the pop star, highlighting the collaborative and fun atmosphere on set.

The film also features the return of original cast members, most notably China Anne McClain reprising her role as Uma, the daughter of Ursula. This continuity helps bridge the gap between the original trilogy and this new chapter, which is directed by Jennifer Phang.

The Queen's Teenage Self: Bridget

While Rita Ora plays the adult Queen of Hearts, the film’s time-travel plot requires a younger version of the character. The teenage Queen of Hearts, named Bridget, is played by rising star Ruby Rose Turner.

Ruby Rose Turner is an American actress, dancer, singer, and model, born on October 16, 2005. She is best known for her role as Cami in the Disney Channel TV series *Coop & Cami Ask the World*. Her portrayal of Bridget in *Descendants: The Rise of Red* and the animated spin-off series *Descendants: Wicked Wonderland* allows the audience to explore the backstory and origins of the iconic villain, providing a deeper understanding of how the Queen of Hearts came to be the way she is.

The inclusion of both Rita Ora as the adult Queen of Hearts and Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget expands the lore of the Isle of the Lost and Auradon Prep, offering a richer, multi-generational look at the world of Disney's most famous villains and heroes. Other key entities in the film include Malia Baker as Chloe Charming, Brandy as Cinderella, Dara Reneé as Uliana, and Joshua Colley as Hook, all of whom contribute to the film’s high-energy musical numbers and compelling plot.

Conclusion: A New Reign of Villainy

The question of "who played the Queen of Hearts in Descendants" has a definitive and exciting answer: the sensational Rita Ora. Her dynamic performance as the villainous mother to Red, coupled with the intriguing backstory provided by Ruby Rose Turner as Bridget, injects a fresh, vibrant energy into the beloved Descendants franchise. With its high-stakes plot, unforgettable musical numbers, and star-studded cast, *Descendants: The Rise of Red* is a must-watch for fans of the Disney universe, available now on Disney+. The new Queen of Hearts has officially claimed her throne, proving that sometimes, the best villains are the ones who can also hold a tune.