Live-Action ‘Descendants 5’ Changes Beloved 2021 ‘Encanto’ Disney Character
For much of its history, Disney storytelling has followed a familiar arc: heroes rise, villains fall, and happily ever after is all but guaranteed. From Cinderella’s transformation at the ball to Ariel’s life-altering bargain and Rapunzel’s unconventional introduction to love, the studio’s animated classics defined a formula audiences could count on.
That changed in 2015 with Descendants, a Disney Channel original movie that shifted attention away from the heroes and toward a more intriguing idea: what happens to the villains after the story ends?
Directed by Kenny Ortega, the original film and its sequels introduced Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Jay (Booboo Stewart), and Carlos (Cameron Boyce), the children of iconic Disney villains. Raised on the Isle of the Lost, these characters were given a chance to step into a different future, one shaped by their own choices rather than their parents’ reputations. The trilogy combined musical spectacle with an emotional core centered on identity, earning a devoted following.
Following the death of Cameron Boyce in 2019, the franchise faced an uncertain path forward. Many questioned whether the series could continue without one of its central figures. Disney ultimately answered that question in 2024 with Descendants: The Rise of Red, a sequel that pivoted toward a new generation.
The film introduced Red (Kylie Cantrall), the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe Charming (Malia Baker), the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming. Their story, built around a time-travel mission to prevent the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) from embracing villainy, offered a fresh narrative direction, even as reactions varied among fans.
Still, the numbers underscore the franchise’s staying power. “Since the premiere of Descendants in 2015, the franchise has dominated youth entertainment, with each of the first three films ranking as the most-watched cable movie of their year, amassing nearly 1 billion hours of viewing across linear and streaming in the US,” Disney wrote in its press release earlier this year.
“In 2024, Descendants: The Rise of Red debuted on Disney+ as the most-watched original movie among Kids and Girls 6–11, sparking over 9 billion lifetime views and inspiring a top Halloween costume. In the summer of 2025, Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour thrilled sold-out crowds in over 40 arenas across North America.”
Now, Disney is preparing to expand the franchise again with Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, slated for release in 2026. The film will continue the story shortly after The Rise of Red, exploring what life looks like after the adventure ends—a thematic continuation that aligns with the series’ focus on legacy and personal growth.
While returning characters like Red and Chloe will anchor the story, it’s the new additions that are drawing attention. Among them is an unexpected crossover with Encanto. Actor Alexandro Byrd has been cast as Luis Madrigal, the son of Luisa Madrigal, a fan-favorite character from the 2021 animated hit.
Luisa, voiced by Jessica Darrow, became one of Encanto’s most memorable figures thanks to her emotional storyline and her standout song, “Surface Pressure.” Introducing her son into the Descendants universe signals a broader effort by Disney to connect its newer properties with established franchises.
Wicked Wonderland will also introduce several next-generation characters tied to classic Disney figures. Red’s sister Pink (Liamani Segura) joins the lineup, along with Maddox Hatter (Leonardo Nam), the son of the Mad Hatter. Familiar faces will return as well, including Squeaky (Dayton Paradis) and Squirmy (Ryan McEwen), the twin sons of Mr. Smee. Meanwhile, Robbie (Joel Oulette), the son of Robin Hood, brings a twist to the legacy concept, appearing to lean toward villainy rather than heroism.
Behind the camera, Tamara Chestna, Dan Frey, and Ru Sommer are penning the script, with Kimmy Gatewood directing. While plot specifics remain under wraps, the scope of the project suggests Disney is aiming to push the franchise into new territory.
The inclusion of an Encanto character has also reignited speculation about that film’s future. Despite its success, Disney has yet to confirm a sequel, though continued investment in the property—particularly in theme parks—indicates the Madrigal family’s story is far from over.
Whether Wicked Wonderland will serve as a launching point for that expansion remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that Descendants continues to evolve, building on its central premise that legacy is not destiny. As the franchise moves into its next chapter, it’s once again asking audiences to reconsider what comes after the ending—and who gets to define it.
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