We aren’t even out of the woods from the latest chapter of the “Descendants” saga, and already the ever-expanding world of heroes and villains is getting ready to introduce even more familiar faces.
Following this summer’s “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” production is already underway on the first side story in this new era of the franchise, “Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story.” And while this adventure may be placing the children of Disney’s legendary sidekicks in the spotlight, it looks like plenty of their famous predecessors are coming along for the ride.
After all, “Descendants” has always been about the next generation finding their own place in a world shaped by the stories that came before them. From the children of Disney’s most infamous villains to the offspring of beloved heroes, these new characters have been able to build adventures of their own while carrying pieces of their parents’ legacies with them.
Now, “Hidden Heroes” is taking that idea in a new direction as six iconic Disney characters join the growing cast.
Darren Criss will step into the role of Jiminy Cricket from “Pinocchio,” while Sherry Cola will bring “The Emperor’s New Groove” villain Yzma into the world of “Descendants.” She won’t be alone, either, as Hugo Ateo has been cast as Yzma’s unforgettable partner-in-crime, Kronk.
James Monroe Iglehart will take on the role of Genie from “Aladdin,” Sean Yves Lessard will appear as Lumiere from “Beauty and the Beast,” and Dan Bakkedahl will portray the legendary sorcerer Yen Sid from Disney’s “Fantasia.”
The six join previously announced cast members Dior Goodjohn, Momona Tamada, Jacob Rodriguez, Eva Fossaceca Smedley and Harry Jones.
But this time around, it isn’t the children of Disney’s biggest heroes or villains taking center stage.
“Hidden Heroes” will reveal that hidden within the center of every fairy tale is a portal leading to Sidekick Academy, a secret training facility where the descendants of legendary sidekicks are given the chance to train for the elite ranks of partners to heroes.
Naturally, this is still “Descendants,” so things aren’t going to stay magical and peaceful for long.
When a villainous duo arrives at Sidekick Academy, a new group of recruits suddenly finds themselves having to put everything they have learned to the test. With no heroes or parents around to save them, the students must rely on one another and their newly developed skills to protect the entire fairy-tale realm before it is too late.
The upcoming Disney Channel and Disney+ movie is written by Tamara Chestna, Eydie Faye and Emma Fletcher, with Jude Weng directing. Mark Ordesky, Jane Fleming, Gary Marsh and Chestna serve as executive producers, while Louise Hradsky and Jeffrey Mortensen are choreographers.
With five main films, animated adventures, prequel stories and now “Hidden Heroes,” the world of “Descendants” continues to grow well beyond the original VKs we first met back in 2015.
And with Jiminy Cricket, Yzma, Kronk, Genie, Lumiere and Yen Sid now entering the story, another corner of Disney history is about to meet its next generation.
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