A Decade of Villain Kids
Disney is celebrating ten magical years of Descendants. The franchise first premiered on July 31, 2015, inviting audiences into the kingdom of Auradon. That’s where the children of Disney’s most iconic villains—Mal, Evie, Carlos, and Jay—received their chance at redemption. Their journey quickly captured the hearts of many and launched a global phenomenon.
From Instant Hit to Global Success
Right from the start, Descendants soared. Directed, choreographed, and produced by Disney Legend Kenny Ortega, who had already left his mark on Disney with the High School Musical trilogy, Cheetah Girls 2, and stage productions, including Parade of Dreams at Disneyland and Festival of the Lion King at Walt Disney World. Descendants became the number one television movie of the year. The sequels matched that success. Each soundtrack topped the Billboard charts, and the music videos gained billions of views across YouTube and VEVO.
Kenny Ortega on the Legacy
In a new interview, Ortega shared how he immediately connected with the idea of bringing to life the children of Maleficent, Jafar, the Evil Queen, and Cruella de Vil. He admitted feeling the weight of responsibility but also embraced the opportunity to create something that honored Disney’s heritage while reaching a new generation. He explained that the characters’ authenticity stemmed from careful workshops and improvisation, which allowed the young cast to explore their backstories and build trust with fans.
Enduring Appeal of Descendants
According to Ortega, the magic lies in the heart of the story. Beyond catchy songs and dazzling choreography, the movies empower and inspire young viewers. They prove that even the children of villains can write their own destiny. Ten years later, the characters and music continue to connect deeply with fans. The lessons remain as powerful today as they were in 2015.
Looking Ahead
Disney’s anniversary celebration highlights not only the past but also the exciting future of the franchise. As Ortega pointed out, the work always honors the fans. That recognition keeps the story alive and ensures Descendants remains part of Disney’s cultural legacy.
The Descendants franchise also includes an animated spinoff series, Descendants: Wicked World; an animated special, Descendants: The Royal Wedding; and the live-action Under the Sea: A Descendants Short Story. In 2024, a fourth film in the franchise, Descendants: The Rise of Red, broke ratings records for Disney Channel and Disney+ and introduced a new cast of VKs. A follow-up film, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, is set to premiere in 2026.
