A Record-Breaking Disney+ Premiere
Descendants: The Rise of Red continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The fourth film in the hit franchise achieved 6.7 million views in its first three days, setting a new record as Disney Branded Television’s most-viewed Disney Channel Original Movie premiere on Disney+. After just four weeks, that number grew to a staggering 20 million views globally.
New Characters, Timeless Appeal
Directed by Jennifer Phang, Descendants: The Rise of Red introduces a new generation of heroes and villains. The film stars Kylie Cantrall as Red, the Queen of Hearts’ rebellious daughter, and Malia Baker as Chloe, Cinderella’s perfectionist daughter. With appearances from Brandy, Rita Ora, China Anne McClain, and more, the cast bridges beloved legacy characters with fresh faces.
This time-traveling musical adventure explores the bond between Red and Chloe as they navigate an evolving Auradon. The story expands the Descendants universe while staying true to its magical roots of friendship, family, and self-discovery.
Soundtrack Magic and Social Media Buzz
The success extends beyond the screen. The Rise of Red soundtrack debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Soundtracks and Kid Albums Charts. Songs like “Red,” “Life Is Sweeter,” and “What’s My Name” have drawn tens of millions of streams and views, with “Red” alone surpassing 46 million streams and 31 million YouTube views.
The #Descendants hashtag continues to trend across platforms, racking up 12 billion global views in July and sparking over 415,000 posts in 30 days. With over 10 million social followers, the franchise’s fandom is more engaged than ever.
A Franchise with Staying Power
Since the original Descendants debuted in 2015, the franchise has earned more than 781 million hours of viewing in the U.S. The first three films consistently topped annual TV movie rankings for kids and tweens, and the music continues to shape Disney’s musical identity.
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, attributes the success to timeless Disney values. “Magic, wonder, adventure, and heart are at the core of every story we tell,” she says. “Descendants delivers all of that and more.”
Looking Ahead
What’s next for the Descendants universe? While Disney hasn’t officially announced the next chapter, Ayo Davis confirms Disney Branded Television is invested in expanding the story. New merch, performances, and even a Descendants/ZOMBIES: Worlds Collide Tour are on the horizon.
With fresh characters, compelling stories, and music that connects with new generations, Descendants: The Rise of Red proves the franchise isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
Stay tuned for more wicked updates as the legacy of Descendants continues to grow!
