5 Shocking New Roles & The Full Cast Of Descendants: The Rise Of Red (2025 Update)
The Disney Channel's mega-hit Descendants franchise has officially entered a new era, and as of December 21, 2025, the cast has undergone a massive, exciting update. The long-awaited fourth installment, Descendants: The Rise of Red, which premiered on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, has introduced a fresh generation of Villain Kids (VKs) and Auradon royalty, while also bringing back a fan-favorite original character. This article breaks down the complete, current cast list, provides in-depth biographies, and reveals the major 2025 career paths of the original core four who captured the world's heart.
The new movie shifts the focus to a Wonderland-themed adventure, centering on the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, Red, and Cinderella’s daughter, Chloe Charming. This new chapter has expanded the magical world, ensuring the franchise remains a powerhouse for Disney Branded Television and setting the stage for a potential *Descendants 5* in 2026, which is already generating significant buzz.
The Complete Descendants: The Rise of Red Cast and Character Biographies
The fourth movie introduces a diverse ensemble of new talent and welcomes back key figures from the original trilogy, solidifying the transition to the next generation of Auradon. Here is a detailed look at the new and returning *Descendants* movie cast.
- Kylie Cantrall as Red (Daughter of the Queen of Hearts)
- Full Name: Kylie Lorena Cantrall
- Born: June 25, 2005 (Age 20 in 2025)
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: Gabby Duran in the Disney Channel series Gabby Duran & The Unsittables, and a successful pop music career.
- Update: Cantrall is currently the face of the new saga and is already rumored to reprise her role for a potential *Descendants 5* in 2026.
- Malia Baker as Chloe Charming (Daughter of Cinderella and King Charming)
- Full Name: Malia Baker
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: Mary Anne Spier in the Netflix series The Baby-Sitters Club and a role in the movie Are You Afraid of the Dark? (2021).
- Update: Baker's role as the pragmatic Chloe is central to the new movie's plot, and she is expected to return alongside Cantrall for future installments.
- China Anne McClain as Uma (Daughter of Ursula)
- Full Name: China Anne McClain
- Born: August 25, 1998 (Age 27 in 2025)
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: Jazmine Payne in Tyler Perry's House of Payne, Chyna Parks in A.N.T. Farm, and Jennifer Pierce in Black Lightning.
- Update: Uma is the only core VK from the original trilogy to return. McClain also starred in the 2024 Christmas movie *Brewster's Millions: Christmas* and continues to tease new music projects.
- Rita Ora as The Queen of Hearts
- Full Name: Rita Sahatçiu Ora
- Born: November 26, 1990 (Age 35 in 2025)
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: International pop star and actress known for the *Fifty Shades* film franchise (Mia Grey) and *Pokémon: Detective Pikachu*.
- Update: Her casting as the villainous Queen of Hearts was a major surprise and marks her first role in a Disney movie.
- Joshua Colley as Hook (Son of Captain Hook)
- Full Name: Joshua Colley
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: Voice acting in Peter Rabbit 2: The Runaway and Broadway roles in Newsies and Les Misérables.
- Melanie Paxson as Fairy Godmother
- Key Roles Outside Descendants: Known for her roles in Happy Family and Cupid. She is one of the few adult actors to appear in all four main *Descendants* films.
- Additional Cast Members: Dara Reneé (Uliana), Ruby Rose Turner, Morgan Dudley, Jeremy Howard (Smee), and Peder Lindell (Morgie).
Where Are The Original VKs Now? Major 2025 Career Updates
The original core cast—Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos—catapulted to global fame after the first *Descendants* movie in 2015. While none of them returned for a leading role in *The Rise of Red*, their careers have only intensified in 2025, with major projects in music, film, and television. Fans of the original trilogy, often called the "OG VKs," are constantly looking for updates on these stars.
Dove Cameron (Mal)
Dove Cameron, who played Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, has successfully transitioned from Disney star to a major force in the music industry. In 2025, her career is soaring. She released her latest single, "Too Much," in February 2025, continuing her evolution as a pop artist. On the acting front, she has several high-profile projects. Cameron is set to star in the upcoming series *Obsession* and the independent film *Issac*, where she plays a young mortician. Her work demonstrates a clear shift toward more mature and complex roles, moving far beyond her Disney roots.
Sofia Carson (Evie)
Sofia Carson, who portrayed Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, has become a powerhouse at Netflix, solidifying her status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her 2025 slate is packed with major releases. Her latest film, *The Life List*, was released in March 2025, and her highly anticipated next movie, *My Oxford Year*, is scheduled for release in August 2025. Furthermore, there is significant buzz surrounding a potential sequel to her smash-hit Netflix romance, *Purple Hearts 2*, further cementing her place as a go-to star for the streaming giant.
Booboo Stewart (Jay)
Booboo Stewart, who played Jay, the son of Jafar, has continued to build a diverse acting resume across various genres. In 2025, he is focused on a number of new film projects. His recent work includes the films *Mirage* and *A Tooth*, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Stewart is also known for his roles as Seth Clearwater in *The Twilight Saga* and Warpath in the *X-Men* universe, proving his ability to navigate both fantasy franchises and independent cinema.
The Legacy of Cameron Boyce and the Future of the Franchise
One of the most profound aspects of the *Descendants* franchise is the lasting legacy of Cameron Boyce, who tragically passed away in 2019. Boyce played Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil, and was a beloved member of the original cast. His absence is deeply felt by the cast, crew, and fans alike.
The creators of the new installment, *Descendants: The Rise of Red*, made a conscious decision to honor him. The film includes a heartfelt tribute to the late actor, acknowledging his irreplaceable contribution to the magic and heart of the first three movies. This touching moment ensures that Carlos and Cameron Boyce remain an integral part of the franchise's history, even as it moves forward with new characters.
Looking ahead, the success of *The Rise of Red* has already sparked discussions about the future. Disney Branded Television has hinted at a fifth installment, with a working title of *Descendants 5*, potentially set for a 2026 release. Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker are expected to lead this next chapter, which may further explore the Wonderland mythology. The new direction, with its focus on characters like Red and Chloe, ensures that the world of Auradon and the Isle of the Lost continues to evolve, introducing fresh stories of friendship, identity, and finding your own way to be wicked.
Detail Author:
- Name : Liza Treutel V
- Username : xadams
- Email : gprice@spinka.net
- Birthdate : 1971-04-12
- Address : 45510 Bauch Street Apt. 952 Minaborough, WV 06340-5258
- Phone : +1 (463) 726-6672
- Company : Herzog, Schiller and Vandervort
- Job : Archeologist
- Bio : Exercitationem dolor voluptatem aliquid. Delectus deserunt animi sit dolorem. Odit repellendus suscipit excepturi voluptates non quo qui.
Socials
twitter:
- url : https://twitter.com/kris2012
- username : kris2012
- bio : Occaecati tempore ut voluptates porro. Quia quisquam tempora officia quaerat neque et doloremque. Rerum commodi pariatur sint voluptas voluptatem.
- followers : 5462
- following : 2883
instagram:
- url : https://instagram.com/abagail4084
- username : abagail4084
- bio : Et asperiores error vel sint minus quasi eius. Sint dolor aut enim quibusdam.
- followers : 5301
- following : 2898
