Avery Kelley 
Calling all VKs!! Disney’s beloved Disney Channel Original Movie Series “Descendants” is back to introduce the new era of Auradon.
The world of “Descendants” originated in 2015. That same year the legacy began following the lives of four villain kids, who were given the chance to leave their ruthless home, the Isle of the Lost, to reside in the land filled with heroes and royalty – Auradon. Given the chance to attend the illustrious Auradon Prep, the core four set out on a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, tearing down the barrier between their two worlds for good. Now, nine years, and three movies later, the story is far from over, continuing the journey with “Descendants: The Rise of Red.”
The new era begins with the one and only Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts (Portrayed by Kylie Cantrall), who resides in the wonderful world of Wonderland! Wishing to escape from the shackles she calls her mother, when the new Head of Auradon Prep, Uma (Ursula’s Daughter) gives her the opportunity to leave her home to attend the prestigious school, she immediately jumps at the opportunity. But when things go left, she is forced to battle the present and past along with an unlikely partner, Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella.
This film begins in the new chapter of Auradon, bringing in new characters while welcoming back fan favorites. Including China McClain as Uma, Melanie Paxson as the Fairy Godmother, and Grammy Award winning artist, Brandy, and Paolo Montalban, reprising their roles as Cinderella and Prince Charming from the 1997 version of “Cinderella.” Malia Baker, who portrays the role of Chloe, shares, “I mean I’ve never had blue hair before, I’ve never gotten to play Brandy’s daughter before, [laughs] I mean that in itself is just… WOW!”
“Descendants” is SO much more than just the stories of our favorite Disney characters. Its the songs, the choreography, the costumes, and the stunts. Especially, the fencing. In the world of Auradon, fencing plays a very important role. Kylie, who plays leading lady Red, shares her experience mastering the skill. “I mean, Red is like this rebel, and she’s super athletic and she gets to do all of these cool stunts… I think the stunts for me was honestly the aspect of Red that I had so much fun taking on… I mean literally we got to Atlanta a month before filming just to do stunt training… We met and we were literally like ‘Hi, okay we met. We’re going to go into battle.’”
When the actors learned they had the opportunity to continue the legacy, they were beyond excited, and looking forward to the shoes they had to fill! Dara Reneé shares how she learned about booking the role. “My mom was recording because she knew and I didn’t know, I didn’t expect it. I didn’t think I was gonna get it! And my hair was all messed up. I was like, ‘I’m ready for the news,’ but then, I got it!” Actress Ruby Rose Turner, who portrays the young Queen of Hearts expresses, “I was waiting for months just for that call of disappointment, and then I was pleasantly surprised!”
Believe me when I say that this is a movie you do not want to miss. The new era of Auradon is carrying the legacy strong. The story is far from over! Stream it now on Disney+ and check out the full interview below.
By Avery Kelley
Instagram: @askaveryk / Twitter: @averykels
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