Descendants 5: New sequel to the popular Disney series
A publication at the end of this year would be possible
Red and Chloe are back: following the huge success of "Descendants 4: The Rise Of Red", Disney is now officially announcing a new sequel to the popular fantasy musical series with "Descendants 5".
The "Descendants" films have been delighting children and young people around the world since 2015. The basic idea of the series – how the children of famous Disney villains determine their own destiny – has proven to be extremely successful. The first three films were huge hits and dominated the TV ratings in the USA. Descendants 4: The Rise Of Red" was also able to build on this success and secured the most successful start of a Disney Channel original on Disney+ with 6.7 million views in the first three days.
According to Deadline, the fifth part will follow on directly from the events of "The Rise Of Red". Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts from "Alice in Wonderland", and Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella, return from their turbulent time-travel adventures. But their journey has upset the fabric of time and now they have to face the consequences.
Most of the action takes place in present-day Wonderland, which should provide plenty of bizarre and magical moments. Leonardo Nam is back as Maddox Hatter, the son of the Mad Hatter, as well as his brother Max Hatter, played by Brendon Tremblay, who is making his debut in this film. Other newcomers include Liamani Segura as Red's sister and Kiara T. Romero in the role of Hazel Hook, Captain Hook's daughter. And, of course, the two leading actresses Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker are not to be missed.
Disney was able to recruit Kimmy Gatewood, known for "Girls5eva", to direct "Descendants 5". The screenplay was written by Tamara Chestna, Dan Frey and Ru Sommer, who previously worked on "The Rise Of Red" and are therefore very familiar with the universe.
Filming is set to begin soon, so a release at the end of 2025 or in 2026 at the latest on Disney+ is likely.
The phenomenon of "The Descendants" films
Disney's "Descendants" series is a popular movie series that first appeared on the Disney Channel in 2015. The story takes place in a world where well-known Disney villains have been banished and their children are given the opportunity to prove themselves in Auradon, the realm of heroes. The series combines music, dance and fantasy elements and appeals primarily to a young audience.
The plot
The first film "Descendants" (2015) introduces the children of famous Disney villains: Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, Jay, the son of Jafar, and Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil. They live on the Isle of the Lost, a desolate place where all the villains and their descendants are trapped. But when Ben, the son of Belle and the Beast, is named the new King of Auradon, he offers them a chance: they are allowed to go to Auradon Prep School to start a new life. While they initially plan to help their parents gain power, they gradually begin to change and find their own way.
The sequel "Descendants 2" (2017), shows Mal's inner conflicts as she struggles with the expectations of her new life. She returns to the Island of the Lost, where she has to deal with Uma, Ursula's daughter. In "Descendants 3" (2019), Mal and her friends must once again save the kingdom of Auradon from new threats, including Hades, who plays an important role in her past.
The success and the message
The Descendants films became a worldwide success. They delighted fans with catchy songs, elaborate choreography and colorful costumes. The series' message in particular – that no one is defined by their origins and that everyone has the opportunity to change – resonated with audiences.
Tragically, Cameron Boyce, the actor who played Carlos, passed away in 2019, leaving the future of the series uncertain. Nevertheless, Disney announced a sequel in 2023 with "Descendants: The Rise of Red", which was released last year and was able to build on the success of its predecessors.
Conclusion
The "Descendants" series remains an integral part of the modern Disney world and has a large fan base that will continue to enjoy the adventures of the villains' descendants for a long time to come.