Disney Channel Taps Kids Of Iconic Fairy Tale Villains In New Original Movie

Disney Channel will build its latest kids-targeted original movie around the offspring of such classic Disney film villains as Cruella De Vil and the Evil Queen.

The live-action comedy/adventure movie Descendants will follow a modern day generation of teenagers who begin the question whether the evil that spurred their parents is truly within them, according to network officials. Kenny Ortega (High School Musical) has been tapped to direct Descendants, which is currently in the process of casting its stars. The film is scheduled to air in 2015.

"We mined Disney's treasure trove of stories and developed a new, comedic approach to the fabled characters everyone knows and loves," said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide in a statement.  "The result is a modern and unexpected re-interpretation of classic heritage characters utilizing contemporary, relatable settings and themes."  

The movie revolves around the teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Beauty and the Beast) who, upon preparing to take the throne, questions whether to offer a chance of redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters, said the network.   

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.