Maleficent is trading her usual scowl for something softer in a new clip from Disney Television Animation. The classic Disney Villain makes her first appearance in the Disney Jr. series Sofia the First: Royal Magic this month, and she isn’t quite as wicked as fans might expect.
A Villain at the Party
The Sleeping Beauty (1959) antagonist will show up in “Holiday at Charmswell,” the show’s holiday special, where she shares a scene with her longtime nemesis, Princess Aurora. In the episode, Sofia (Ariel Winter) and Aurora confront Maleficent after she arrives during a festive Wassailia celebration.
Viewers will also see several new and returning characters. Sofia’s pet puppy-unicorn, Pepper (Nate Torrence), is back, along with her friends Layla (Mela Pietropaolo), Zane (Kai Harris), and Camila (Aaliyah Magcasi).
What the Clip Shows
In the preview, an upset Maleficent crashes the celebration and questions Sofia and Aurora. Her mood changes once Miss Nettle (Julie Nathanson) apologizes for not inviting her to the festivities in the first place.
“I don’t know what to say,” Maleficent responds.
Why the Producers Chose Maleficent
Craig Gerber, creator and executive producer of Sofia the First: Royal Magic, said the team was eager to bring in a villain after years of featuring Disney Princesses.
“After years of bringing classic Disney Princesses into Sofia’s world, it was exciting to finally incorporate a classic Disney Villain,” Gerber told The Hollywood Reporter. “Weaving Maleficent into the story of Miss Nettle, a former villain who now runs Sofia’s school, not only made for an entertaining holiday episode but also enabled us to address what seems to be Maleficent’s core reason for her evil ways — not being invited to a party.”
When To Watch
“Holiday at Charmswell” premieres on Disney Jr. on Thanksgiving Day, November 26.
About the Series
Sofia the First: Royal Magic is a spinoff of the original Disney Jr. series Sofia the First. It debuted in May and has since climbed into the top ten in viewership among girls ages two to five, with a 77% increase in overall watch time compared with the original show.
Do you prefer the original Sofia the First or Sofia the First: Royal Magic? Share your opinion with Disney Dining in the comments!
