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From Disney Star To DC Superhero: China Anne McClain's 11 Must-Watch Movies And TV Shows (2025 Update)

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China Anne McClain has successfully transitioned from a beloved Disney Channel star into a multifaceted actress, singer, and producer, with her career continuing to reach new heights in late 2025. The star, known for her magnetic screen presence and powerhouse vocals, has cemented her status in both family-friendly franchises and major superhero dramas. This comprehensive guide breaks down her essential filmography, focusing on the latest and upcoming projects that define her current era in Hollywood. The recent announcements surrounding her reprise of the iconic villain Uma and her lead role in a major holiday film highlight her versatility, demonstrating an ability to pivot seamlessly between different genres and platforms, including Disney+ and BET+. Her journey from early child roles to executive producer credits is a compelling narrative of sustained success in the entertainment industry.

China Anne McClain: Biography and Professional Profile

China Anne McClain is an American actress, singer, and songwriter whose career spans over two decades, beginning at the tender age of seven. Born into a highly musical family, her parents were deeply involved in music production, laying the groundwork for her dual-threat career as a performer.
  • Full Name: China Anne McClain
  • Date of Birth: August 25, 1998
  • Place of Birth: Decatur, Georgia, U.S.
  • Occupation: Actress, Singer, Songwriter, Producer
  • Years Active: 2005–Present
  • Notable Roles: Chyna Parks (A.N.T. Farm), Uma (Descendants), Jennifer Pierce / Lightning (Black Lightning), Jazmine Payne (Tyler Perry's House of Payne)
  • Music Group: McClain Sisters (with her two sisters, Sierra and Lauryn)
  • Career Start: Her first film role was as Alexis in the 2005 film The Gospel.
McClain's early career was heavily influenced by her work with filmmaker Tyler Perry, which provided a stable foundation before her breakout role with the Disney Channel. Her musical talent is equally recognized, having composed and performed the theme song for A.N.T. Farm and delivering memorable performances in the Descendants franchise.

The Latest and Upcoming Projects: 2024 and Beyond

The most exciting aspect of China Anne McClain's current career trajectory is her return to two of her most beloved characters alongside a new lead role in a highly anticipated holiday feature. These projects confirm her status as a leading actress in diverse genres.

1. Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)

In one of the most anticipated Disney+ Original Movies of 2024, McClain is reprising her fan-favorite role as Uma, the daughter of Ursula. Uma, the charismatic pirate captain, was first introduced in Descendants 2 and instantly became a standout character, known for her sharp wit and powerful musical numbers, most notably "What's My Name."

The new film, a spin-off of the main trilogy, focuses on Red, the daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, the daughter of Cinderella. McClain's return as Uma is a significant draw, promising more of the high-energy, musical villainy that audiences adore. This project solidifies her enduring connection to the Disney legacy while showcasing her continued growth as a performer.

2. Brewster's Millions: Christmas (2024)

Shifting gears entirely, McClain takes on the lead role of Morgan Brewster in the BET+ holiday film Brewster's Millions: Christmas. This modern, festive take on the classic story sees Morgan, a wealthy heiress who has lost her way, tasked with spending a massive sum of money by Christmas to inherit a larger fortune.

This role offers a chance for McClain to showcase a more mature, comedic, and dramatic side of her acting range. Crucially, she is also listed as an executive producer on the film, marking a major step in her career towards working behind the camera and having greater creative control over her projects.

3. Control (Upcoming Film)

While the initial release date has been subject to change, McClain has been vocal about her involvement in the upcoming film Control, a project she is also producing alongside her collaboration with Adam Sandler. Her work with Sandler on Hubie Halloween (2020) demonstrated their successful partnership, and this producing role further emphasizes her commitment to developing her own content and driving the narrative of her career.

The Essential Roles That Defined Her Career

McClain's filmography is a tapestry of iconic roles across television and film, demonstrating her ability to carry a show from a young age and later tackle complex, mature characters.

The Disney Channel Era: A.N.T. Farm and Descendants

The Disney Channel was the launching pad for her global recognition. Her work in this sphere made her a household name and a role model for millions of young viewers.

  • A.N.T. Farm (2011–2014): As the titular character Chyna Parks, a musical prodigy in a high school talent program, McClain demonstrated her triple-threat abilities—acting, singing, and comedy. The show was a massive success, establishing her as a leading young star.
  • Descendants 2 & 3 (2017 & 2019): Her portrayal of Uma, the daughter of Ursula, was a game-changer. She brought a fierce, complex energy to the character, often stealing scenes and delivering some of the most memorable musical performances in the franchise, including the hit song "What's My Name." Her involvement in Descendants: The Royal Wedding (2021) also kept the character alive for fans.

The DC Universe: Black Lightning

In a powerful move to more mature, dramatic television, McClain took on the role of Jennifer Pierce, also known as the superhero Lightning, in the CW series Black Lightning (2018–2021). This role was a significant pivot, showcasing her ability to handle complex themes of family, social justice, and burgeoning superpowers. Jennifer Pierce’s struggle to control her electric abilities and her journey as a young Black woman in a complicated world provided a deep, multi-season arc that earned critical praise.

Early Career and Tyler Perry Collaborations

McClain’s foundational work with filmmaker Tyler Perry was instrumental in shaping her early career.

  • Tyler Perry's House of Payne (2007–2012): As Jazmine Payne, a sweet and often mischievous young member of the central family, McClain became a familiar face on television. She later reprised the role in the sequel series, The Paynes (2018).
  • Daddy's Little Girls (2007): This film marked one of her early collaborations with Perry, where she played one of the three daughters in a central custody battle story.

The Full Filmography: Movies and TV Shows

China Anne McClain's career is marked by a consistent presence in high-profile projects, spanning from family comedies to superhero dramas and animated features.

Key Television Roles

Her work on the small screen has been particularly impactful, with several long-running and iconic roles:

  • A.N.T. Farm (2011–2014) as Chyna Parks
  • Black Lightning (2018–2021) as Jennifer Pierce / Lightning
  • Tyler Perry's House of Payne (2007–2012) as Jazmine Payne
  • The Paynes (2018) as Jazmine Payne
  • Wizards of Waverly Place (2010) as Tina
  • Jonas L.A. (2010) as Kiara

Key Film Roles

McClain’s film career includes major franchise roles and collaborations with top-tier comedic talent:

  • Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024) as Uma
  • Brewster's Millions: Christmas (2024) as Morgan Brewster
  • Hubie Halloween (2020) as Miss Chantal Taylor
  • Descendants 3 (2019) as Uma
  • Blood Brother (2018) as Darcy
  • Descendants 2 (2017) as Uma
  • Grown Ups 2 (2013) as Charlotte McKenzie
  • Grown Ups (2010) as Charlotte McKenzie
  • The Gospel (2005) as Alexis

Her continued involvement in diverse projects, including the animated film Bilal: A New Breed of Hero (2015), demonstrates a career built on quality and range. As China Anne McClain steps into a new phase of her career, embracing both acting and production, her influence in Hollywood is only set to grow, making her one of the most exciting performers to watch in the coming years.

china anne mcclain movies and tv shows
china anne mcclain movies and tv shows

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