‘Descendants: The Rise of Red’ Stars Talk Legacy Characters & Living Up To Fan Expectations

To celebrate this new chapter in a magical legacy, we spoke with the stars of Descendants: The Rise of Red—Kylie Cantrall, Malia Baker, Ruby Rose Turner, Morgan Dudley, and Dara Reneé. They shared their excitement, experiences, and insights into their characters and the enchanting world of Descendants. The cast also gave us a glimpse into what it was like working with legacy characters and being part of a film series that has such a huge fan base.

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The beloved Descendants franchise, which has captured the imaginations of audiences with its unique blend of fantasy, music, and adventure, is expanding its universe with the upcoming installment: Descendants: The Rise of Red. Building upon the rich tapestry of characters and stories established in the previous films, this new chapter promises to delve deeper into the lore and introduce fresh faces while exploring themes of identity, family, and redemption.

A New Protagonist Emerges

At the heart of The Rise of Red is the introduction of a compelling new protagonist: Red, the daughter of the infamous Queen of Hearts from Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice in Wonderland. Red, like her predecessors Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay, grapples with the expectations placed upon her due to her lineage. Unlike her mother, who is known for her tyrannical rule and volatile temper, Red seeks to carve her own path and prove that she is more than the sum of her heritage.

Exploring the Wonderland Connection

The inclusion of Wonderland characters opens up a new realm of possibilities for the Descendants universe. Wonderland, with its whimsical and unpredictable nature, provides a rich backdrop for the story. Fans can look forward to seeing familiar Wonderland elements reimagined through the lens of the Descendants’ world. The setting offers a stark contrast to the Isle of the Lost and Auradon, presenting new challenges and adventures for Red and her companions.

Returning Favorites and New Faces

The Rise of Red will not only introduce new characters but also bring back beloved figures from previous films. Fans can expect to see appearances from Mal, the daughter of Maleficent; Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen; and other familiar faces who have become staples of the franchise. Their involvement will help bridge the gap between the old and new generations, providing continuity and deepening the narrative.

Musical Magic

No Descendants film would be complete without its signature musical numbers. The Rise of Red promises to deliver a fresh soundtrack that blends contemporary pop with theatrical flair. The songs will not only entertain but also serve as a vehicle for character development and storytelling. Expect show-stopping performances that capture the emotional highs and lows of Red’s journey.

Descendants: The Rise of Red is poised to be a thrilling addition to the Descendants saga. By introducing a new protagonist from the intriguing world of Wonderland, the film expands the franchise’s mythology and offers fans a fresh perspective on the beloved series. Check out our interviews and make sure you watch it on July 12 exclusively on Disney+