History of Descendants: The Rise of Red in Timeline

"Descendants: The Rise of Red" is a Disney Channel fantasy musical that continues the popular "Descendants" franchise. Directed by Jennifer Phang, this fourth installment follows the events of "Descendants: The Royal Wedding." The film premiered on Disney+ on July 12, 2024, and is set to air on Disney Channel on August 9, 2024.

August 18, 2021: Disney Teases Potential for More "Descendants" Stories

On August 18, 2021, Disney Branded Television's Senior Vice President of Original Movies, Lauren Kisilevsky, responded to fan inquiries about the cliffhanger ending of "Descendants: The Royal Wedding." While acknowledging the intentional tease, she hinted at the possibility of continuing the "Descendants" franchise, stating that Disney would "see where [they] get with the franchise."

September 21, 2021: Fourth "Descendants" Film Announced

Fans rejoiced as Disney confirmed the development of a fourth "Descendants" film on September 21, 2021. This announcement was part of a larger agreement between Disney and Gary Marsh's production company, signaling a commitment to expanding the beloved franchise.

May 2022: "Descendants" Spin-off Greenlit, Titled "The Pocketwatch"

In May 2022, Disney+ gave the green light to the "Descendants" spin-off, initially titled "The Pocketwatch." Jennifer Phang was brought on board as director and co-executive producer, while Dan Frey and Russell Sommer were tasked with writing the screenplay, with Gary Marsh overseeing the project as executive producer.

November 2022: Brandy Norwood Returns as Cinderella in "Descendants: The Rise of Red"

Adding to the excitement surrounding the film, it was revealed in November 2022 that Brandy Norwood would be reprising her iconic role as Cinderella. Norwood previously portrayed the beloved princess in the 1997 film adaptation of "Cinderella," making her return a nostalgic treat for fans.

January 2023: Filming Begins for "Descendants: The Rise of Red"

Production for "Descendants: The Rise of Red" commenced in early January 2023, initially under the working title "The Pocketwatch." Mark Hofeling, known for his work on the original trilogy, returned as production designer, ensuring visual continuity within the franchise. Director Jennifer Phang expressed her vision for the film's choreography, emphasizing the importance of conveying an emotional narrative even during action sequences.

February 2023: New Cast Members Join "Descendants: The Rise of Red"

As filming progressed, the cast of "Descendants: The Rise of Red" continued to expand with the additions of Jeremy Swift and Leonardo Nam in February 2023.

March 2023: Paolo Montalban Joins "Descendants: The Rise of Red" as King Charming

In a delightful reunion for fans of the 1997 "Cinderella" film, Paolo Montalban joined the cast of "Descendants: The Rise of Red" as King Charming. Montalban's casting, alongside Brandy Norwood's return as Cinderella, created a full-circle moment for admirers of their on-screen chemistry.

March 21, 2023: "Descendants: The Rise of Red" Title Revealed

The official title for the fourth "Descendants" film, "Descendants: The Rise of Red," was unveiled on March 21, 2023, generating further excitement among fans.

April 26, 2024: "What's My Name (Red Version)" Released as First Single

Building anticipation for the film's release, the first single from the soundtrack, "What's My Name (Red Version)", was released on April 26, 2024, accompanied by the availability of the soundtrack for pre-order.

May 7, 2024: "Beyond the Isle of the Lost: Wonderland" Novel Released

Expanding the world of "Descendants," the novel "Beyond the Isle of the Lost: Wonderland," the fifth installment in "The Isle of the Lost" series, was published on May 7, 2024. This new literary adventure served as a prequel to the events of "Descendants: The Rise of Red," deepening the mythology and captivating readers.

June 21, 2024: "Red" Released as Second Single

The musical journey of "Descendants: The Rise of Red" continued with the release of the second single, "Red," on June 21, 2024.

July 12, 2024: "Descendants: The Rise of Red" Disney+ Release

On July 12, 2024, "Descendants: The Rise of Red" premiered on Disney+, captivating audiences with its unique storyline and musical numbers.

August 9, 2024: "Descendants: The Rise of Red" Disney Channel Premiere

After its initial release on Disney+, "Descendants: The Rise of Red" debuted on Disney Channel on August 9, 2024, expanding its reach to a wider audience.