While we are still fresh off the feels of a very mad Wonderland adventure, and ahead of this year’s anticipated D23 Expo, Disney is once again getting ready to charm fans with the magical world and adventures of its now-legacy multimedia franchise, “Descendants.”
Since the original trilogy, “Descendants” has focused on the stories of the children of some of Disney’s biggest heroes and villains, leading the next generation of fantasy lovers through a contemporary musical fantasy tale. From the children of Disney’s most (in)famous villains who gave us Mal, Evie, Carlos and Jay, alongside the AKs (Auradon Kids) of some of its greatest heroes, to the second generation led by the offspring of Cinderella and Prince Charming, the Queen of Hearts and more.
Disney fans have been treated to meeting and watching these young teens navigate their own magical journeys, filled with many of the same principles, challenges and legacies as their famous parents.
Though we have only just closed the second act of the Red saga—one that has already alluded to a third act following the final scene of “Wicked Wonderland”—we have yet to receive solid confirmation from Disney that the Wonderland-centric segment of the franchise will enter production again soon. Granted, fans of the newest installment are undoubtedly hopeful to discover just what Pink uncovered during that closing dance number.
But Disney has already gone ahead and made the unexpected move to expand the universe of Disney characters’ kin in an entirely new direction—with the franchise’s first spin-off story.
This time, rather than leading with the kids of Disney’s main heroes or villains, the sidekicks are entering stage right to star in the next leg of this growing fantasy universe.
Are we ever here for it.
The new project, presently titled “Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story”—something we can’t help but assume is only a tentative working title—is slated to feature the kids of some of the most beloved sidekicks from several of Disney’s most cherished stories, including “Sleeping Beauty,” “Aladdin” and “Beauty and the Beast.”
Then there is the surprise addition of “The Emperor’s New Groove.”
Slated for arrival on Disney Channel and shortly thereafter on Disney+, this new musical entry will focus on the children of these films’ leading supporting characters as they charge out of the sidelines and into the spotlight.
The film, now officially preparing to enter production with an intended release sometime in 2027, offers the following logline:
Hidden in the center of each fairy tale is a portal to a secret training facility where the descendants of legendary sidekicks are challenged to join the elite ranks of partners to heroes. When a villainous duo comes to Sidekick Academy, a group of fresh recruits must band together — without heroes, without parents — using only their new skills to save the fairytale realm before it’s too late.
The film is slated to feature a new collection of actors portraying the children of several fan-favorite characters. This includes Jennie, the daughter of Genie (“Aladdin”); Zara, the daughter of Yzma (“The Emperor’s New Groove”); Kronk Jr., the son of—well—Kronk (“The Emperor’s New Groove”); Meri, the daughter of Merryweather (“Sleeping Beauty”); Lou, the son of Lumiere (“Beauty and the Beast”); and a still-unnamed trio of Potts siblings (“Beauty and the Beast”).
Given the massive success the entire “Descendants” franchise has gathered over the years, its continued expansion comes as little surprise. But there is plenty to be delighted about when it comes to the direction Disney is taking with this particular story.
Rather than simply introducing another generation of heroes and villains, “Hidden Heroes” opens the door to an entirely different corner of the Disney universe. Characters who have traditionally existed on the sidelines are suddenly at the center of the mythology, with their children getting the opportunity to prove that being a hero doesn’t necessarily require a crown, famous lineage or legendary parent.
Even more exciting is what this could mean for “Descendants” as a franchise. With decades of Disney stories filled with beloved supporting characters to pull from, the possibilities for expanding this universe have suddenly become considerably larger.
And if “Hidden Heroes” is any indication, the world of “Descendants” may be getting a whole lot more magical.