Malia Baker, Kylie Cantrall, Morgan Dudley, and their co-stars bring fresh lessons and experiences to the table in the latest Disney+ original, "Descendants: The Rise of Red," premiering this Friday. This fourth installment in the beloved Disney Channel Original Movie franchise introduces viewers to a new generation of Disney villain daughters at Auradon Prep. As Red (Cantrall) and Chloe (Baker) embark on a time-travel adventure to prevent Red's mother, the Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora), from turning evil, they not only face thrilling challenges but also offer profound insights into relationships and personal growth.
From the get-go, the first Descendants movie had a significant impact on the cast. Malia Baker, who plays Chloe, shared how the film taught her about the nuances of mother-daughter relationships, complex dynamics, and the strength of female friendships. Reflecting on the original trilogy, which centered on Mal (Dove Cameron), the daughter of Maleficent (Kristin Chenoweth), and Evie (Sofia Carson), the daughter of Snow White's Evil Queen (Kathy Najimy), Malia noted, "Evie and Mal really were such a duo that I think we all aspired to have a friendship like theirs one day."
Morgan Dudley, inspired by the initial films to pursue a career in performance, hopes "The Rise of Red" will ignite the same passion in the next generation of performers. "Disney Channel Original movie musicals specifically are a big reason that I wanted to be a performer when I was really little," Morgan shared. Joining the Disney family is a dream come true for her, as she gets to work with some truly amazing talents.
Kylie Cantrall, already a pop star when she joined Disney through "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series" Season 4, brought valuable lessons from that experience to her role in Descendants. Reflecting on her previous role, Cantrall said, "There's so much physicality with that character, and I really had to think about how she walks and her posture," emphasizing the importance of understanding Red's physicality and how she carries herself.
The journey in "The Rise of Red" takes Red and Chloe back in time, where they encounter their mothers' younger selves. Before becoming the Queen of Hearts, Bridget (played by Ruby Rose Turner) was just a nice girl. In contrast, young Cinderella, or Ella (Morgan), was part of a group of girls who bullied Bridget. This group, led by Ulyana (Dara Reneé), ruled over their peers with an iron fist.
Both Turner and Morgan took their roles seriously, studying their adult counterparts despite the characters' differences as teenagers. Morgan, who admired Brandy (the original Cinderella), mentioned, "Brandy's somebody I've looked up to for a super duper long time." Even though they didn't share scenes with Norwood or Ora, Morgan noted she was "taking notes from afar and admiring their presences and beauties and trying to fill in the gap of the timeline with our characters."
An exciting highlight of the film is a present-day duet between Cantrall and Ora. Cantrall, who has been a fan of Ora since her childhood, expressed her excitement, saying, "I have listened to tons of Rita Ora growing up. Getting to sing on a song with her was definitely one of those really, really cool moments."
The film's music is another standout feature, with songs like "Life Is Sweeter" introducing characters in the past and providing the ensemble with captivating lyrics to perform. Turner, who plays the younger Bridget, said the song helped her understand her character's transformation, noting, "It really introduced me to the kind of character that I was going to play."
Character-specific songs also add depth to the film. Reneé's "Perfect Revenge," for instance, is an ode to her character's villainy. She shared her experience recording the song, saying, "In the studio, they were like, 'Listen, she's already gone through her transformation and now she's officially all the way evil.' It's so fun being someone outside of yourself."
"The Rise of Red" promises to be a captivating addition to the Descendants franchise, blending thrilling adventures with valuable life lessons. As Red and Chloe navigate their way through time to alter their mothers' destinies, they not only face personal challenges but also inspire viewers to embrace their own journeys of self-discovery and growth. This film is a testament to the power of friendship, the complexity of relationships, and the enduring legacy of Disney's magical storytelling.
With its engaging storyline, memorable characters, and enchanting music, "Descendants: The Rise of Red" is set to captivate audiences of all ages. Whether you're a long-time fan of the franchise or a newcomer, this film offers something for everyone. So, get ready to embark on a magical journey filled with lessons, laughter, and, most importantly, heart.
Login