The fifth installment of Disney’s beloved Descendants franchise, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, is set to premiere on July 16, and the newly‑assembled cast is already making waves. During the Disney 2026 Upfront on May 12, three young performers—Kylie Cantrall, Liamani Segura, and Malia Baker—opened up about what it means to step into the shoes of the next generation of Villain Kids (VKs) and how the series continues to shape the imaginations of today’s youth.
Meet the New Generation
Kylie Cantrall, 21, takes on the role of Red, the rebellious daughter of the Queen of Hearts, portrayed by Rita Ora. Her introduction arrived in Descendants: The Rise of Red, a 2024 entry that shifted the narrative focus from the original cast to a fresh crop of characters. Liamani Segura, 17, joins the saga as Pink, Red’s newly‑revealed younger sister—a completely new addition following the time‑traveling events of the third film. Meanwhile, Malia Baker, 19, plays Chloe Charming, the meticulous daughter of Cinderella (Brandy), who evolves from Red’s adversary into an ally.
From Fans to Villain Kids
Long before they were on‑screen, each star was a devoted viewer of the original Descendants movies. Cantrall recalled watching the premiere night almost a decade ago, noting, “I remember literally watching it that Friday when it premiered… The second that ‘Rotten to the Core’ appeared on screen, I was like, ‘I’m in. I want to be a VK.’” Her journey from childhood admirer to on‑screen VK represents the fulfillment of a long‑held dream.
Baker shared a similar sentiment, emphasizing how witnessing the franchise’s impact on younger fans reinforces the significance of her role. “When you see it impact another little girl, especially in such a drastic way—where they’re wanting to look like you or wanting to literally sing the songs that you sing in a movie—I think is really a magical experience,” she told PEOPLE.
Segura reflected on the emotional weight of being part of an audience’s formative memories: “Knowing that we’re gonna be a part of the kids’ childhoods just means everything to me. It’s been a blessing.”
A Role That Feels Like Magic
For Cantrall, embodying Red was about more than just acting; it was an opportunity to inspire future performers. “It’s a chance to fulfill that dream and hopefully inspire the next gen of performers and actors,” she explained. The actress sees her character as a bridge between the beloved legacy of the original cast—Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Cameron Boyce, and Booboo Stewart—and the fresh stories that will define the series moving forward.
Baker echoed this sentiment, pointing to the tangible ways the franchise reaches its audience: “Seeing the little dolls or the little Halloween costumes of her character was what reinforced the movies’ impact on a younger generation of fans.” The visual and cultural artifacts—merchandise, costumes, and sing‑along tracks—serve as proof that Descendants continues to resonate.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The cast’s unified message is clear: they are eager to pass the torch. By portraying characters who are both rebellious and relatable, they aim to empower young viewers to pursue their own creative ambitions. Their collective hope is that Descendants: Wicked Wonderland will encourage the next wave of performers to dream big and perhaps one day step into the VK shoes themselves.
The Expanding Descendants Universe
Since its debut in 2015, the Descendants franchise has grown far beyond the original Disney Channel Original Movie. It now encompasses an animated spin‑off, a best‑selling book series penned by Melissa de la Cruz, and a live concert tour that has performed across North America. This multi‑platform expansion illustrates the brand’s ability to evolve while maintaining the core elements—original music, colorful wardrobes, and characters rooted in Disney’s iconic heritage—that first won over audiences.
Enduring Legacy
As the release of Descendants: Wicked Wonderland approaches, the trio of young stars stands as a testament to the franchise’s enduring legacy. Their stories of fan‑turned‑performer, their reverence for the series’ impact, and their commitment to inspiring upcoming generations capture the very spirit that has made Descendants a cultural touchstone for more than a decade.
