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Disney is heading back down the rabbit hole.
Disney Branded Television announced today that production on Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, the fifth installment of the hit Descendants franchise, is officially underway. The film, premiering in 2026 on Disney Channel and Disney+, will bring another high-octane adventure filled with magic, music, and new fairy tale heroes and villains.
Brandy and Rita Ora are reprising their fan-beloved roles as Cinderella and Queen of Hearts, respectively—a riveting return guaranteed to excite long-time watchers and newcomers equally. Paolo Montalban comes back to the role of King Charming, and Melanie Paxson returns again as Fairy Godmother, marking her appearance as the only actress in all five Descendants films.
Brandy, Rita Ora, and Other Familiar Faces Back to Growth the Descendants Universe
Vintage stars from earlier films are stepping back into their fairy roles. Brandy’s Cinderella and Rita Ora’s Queen of Hearts return to star in leading roles, adding substance and recognition to this new feature. Paolo Montalban is back as King Charming, and Melanie Paxson’s record-breaking fifth appearance as Fairy Godmother makes her the most enduring character in the franchise.
Introducing Disney’s New Bold Generation: Meet the Children of Disney’s Most Iconic Heroes and Villains
A new batch of young talent fills the roster, taking on the roles of the children of Disney’s greatest legends—from Wonderland to Neverland and even Encanto. They will carry on the legacy, battling magical issues and identity crises in the fantastical world of Wonderland. The roster includes:
- Kylie Cantrall as Red (Queen of Hearts’ daughter)
- Malia Baker as Chloe (Cinderella’s daughter)
- Liamani Segura as Pink (Red’s little sister)
- Brendon Tremblay as Max (Maddox Hatter’s son)
- Alexandro Byrd as Luis (son of Luisa Madrigal)
- Kiara Romero as Hazel Hook (daughter of Captain Hook)
- Joel Oulette as Robbie (son of Robin Hood)
- Zavien Garret as Felix (son of Dr. Facilier)
- Ryan McEwen & Dayton Paradis as Squirmy and Squeaky (Smee’s twin sons)
- Leonardo Nam as Maddox (Mad Hatter’s son)
A Wonderland Remade: Fallout from Time Travel Takes Center Stage in a Modern Magical World
Wicked Wonderland continues the timeline-twisting tale established by The Rise of Red (2024), with Red and Chloe coping with the unexpected fallout of their time travel. Now transported to a modern-day Wonderland, the film explores themes of identity, legacy, and choice and adds a new twist to Lewis Carroll’s evergreen world.
Heartfelt Storytelling Meets Musical Spectacle: Meet the Creative Team Behind the Film
Director Kimmy Gatewood (The Muppets Mayhem) brings her own blend of humor and emotional integrity to the project. The film is scripted by Tamara Chestna (Sneakerella) and experienced writers Dan Frey and Ru Sommer, giving the project a unified narrative link to previous features. Suzanne Todd and Gary Marsh are back as executive producers to oversee the production, with Emilio Dosal, the Emmy Award-winning choreographer of the film’s high-energy musical numbers.
A Decade of Magic: The Enduring Legacy of Disney’s Descendants Franchise
As Descendants celebrates its 10th anniversary, its legacy remains strong. With top-charting soundtracks, bestselling novels, and record-breaking ratings, the franchise remains captivating for new generations. The Rise of Red was a Disney+ breakout hit in 2024, cementing the series’ legacy with massive streaming numbers and cultural buzz.
What’s Coming Next for Auradon and Beyond: Tours, Streaming, and Counting Down to 2026
Fans can binge every chapter of the Descendants franchise now streaming on Disney+, including animated spin-offs and TV specials. And this summer, the Descendants/Zombies: Worlds Collide Tour hits the stage, bringing together the music and magic of both worlds in a not-to-be-missed live event.
With Wicked Wonderland on the horizon, Disney continues to prove fairy tales are not just ageless but evolving.