Descendants: Wicked Wonderland It takes viewers back to the world of Lewis Carroll’s “Wonderland,” continuing the story of Red and Chloe while also introducing new characters.
The new film, now streaming on Disney Channel and Disney+, picks up on the fourth film, red rise, STOP: The Queen of Hearts (Rita Ora) is sweet, Cinderella (Brandy) is safe, and things seem perfect for their daughters Reid (Kylie Cantrall) and Chloe (Malia Baker). However, they soon learn that changing the past has created a new villain: Maddox the Hatter (Leonardo Nam, son of the Mad Hatter).
Cantrall says returning to her role as Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, was like putting on a pair of comfortable shoes that fit perfectly.
“It was so special, I felt like I never left,” says the actress.. “At the same time, I feel like I’ve lived a lot of life between those two films, and bringing my own personal growth into the character’s development has been really fun, and it’s also what makes this film very different. I’ve grown in so many ways.”
For Baker, filming was a real homecoming for her: the film shot scenes in Vancouver (including the castle that appeared in the original film). grandchildren), her birthplace.
“I grew up going to the parks that we actually shot in,” says the actress who plays Chloe, Cinderella’s daughter. “Seeing those transformed into Wonderland is absolutely crazy. It’s a beautiful city in general, but seeing Tyler. It’s a beautiful city in general, but seeing Tyler. It’s a beautiful city in general.” [Bishop Harron]our decorator, bringing it to life – whether it be giant teacups or a huge chess set – was truly special.
Baker marvels at the fact that most of the sets were practical, which, she notes, “is very rare and very unexpected with such an imaginative set. It was such a blessing to be able to see the world that was envisioned for us and to be able to physically step into it. It was unlike anything I’ve ever done. I’ll never get goosebumps like that again.”
Cantrall also points out the costumes (designed by Carolyn Cranston and Bramley Knauf), noting the detail throughout the designs. “Whenever you look closely at Red’s wardrobe, there’s always a heart detail somewhere in there,” she says. “I think I counted 14 heart logos on my outfit, so it will be fun for fans to look for Easter eggs in her costume.” Additionally, her wig also features a heart-shaped braid, and the style reflects her character’s evolution: “She presents more royalty because in this new timeline, she’s seen more as a princess than a rebel,” Cantrall adds.
The actress says that portraying that transition from rebel to princess was one of the really fun parts of returning to film grandchildren privilege. “I got to explore a different side of Red that I couldn’t get to [fourth movie]”She says. “She used to be more tough and raw and had that rebellious energy, versus now, she really has to step up and be this role model and leader. It is a kind of bridge between Hong Kong [Hero Kids] And VKs [Villain Kids]. She’s the one who brings them together to fight this battle in Wonderland.
In a sort of role reversal, Baker explores Chloe’s “evil” side in this film while her friendship with Reed is tested. While she prefers good-natured Chloe, the actress says she loves playing the exact opposite character. “Goody Two-Shoes Chloe Charming will always be my girl, but it was really fun to see what heartbreak looks like on someone,” she says.
Baker hopes young viewers will learn a valuable lesson as Chloe deals with her struggles with friendship. “We all have our own coping mechanisms and defenses,” she says. “It’s like someone was rude to you or said something snarky to you, and you have no idea what’s going on in their head or in their life, and you have no idea what’s going on in your life. Chloe is the exact embodiment of that when she’s going through her full turmoil.”
Another new element in this movie is that due to Red and Chloe changing the past, Red now has a sister (played by Liamani Segura). “This adds a whole extra layer,” Cantrall says. “She has a sister that she looks up to and thinks she can do no wrong, basically. So Reid is grappling with this new identity because at heart she’s a rebel, but she’s trying to redefine what a princess looks like on her terms. And I think that’s really inspiring, and I hope for young girls, that you can create your own identity and reimagine it however you want.”
Cantrall, whose credits also include Disney High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, She says she often gets appreciation from fans for her role, despite the fact that she wears elaborate costumes and wigs grandchildren. “There’s nothing more adorable than having someone come up and say, ‘I have a doll of yours,’ and I had a red-themed birthday,” she says. “This is something that never gets old, to play a part in these huge memories for kids and inspire the next generation of performers. It’s a really special feeling.”
When asked about their favorite new characters, Cantrall said she was drawn to Hazel (Chiara Romero), Captain Hook’s daughter, after reading the script. “She’s so strong, and Chiara brings so much life to the role,” Cantrall says. When asked about her choice, Baker joked, “You’re trying to get me to hit in that group chat. God, those are rough waters.” It’s like a cast fools, He says both films are group adventure films that engage the viewer: “It makes you feel like you want to be part of an adventure and gather all your friends and go, like a treasure hunt for no reason.”
As you might expect, the film is also driven by songs and dance numbers. Cantrall says her favorite song is “For Once in My Life,” a song she and Alexandro Bird, who plays Luis, Luisa Madrigal’s son from… encanto, Lead. Spoiler alert: sparks fly between the two characters. “I loved the Mal and Ben moments at the beginning grandchildren“That was something I always secretly wished I could be involved in the plot of this movie,” she says. I wanted Red to have a love interest, because that’s when the character becomes most vulnerable. With Reed being a very guarded person, you know, Hong Kong comes into her life and knocks down her walls and sees the soft version of the girl she loves. This duet between her and Lewis is a really beautiful moment. This will be the thing that makes everyone blush.
Baker has a hard time choosing her favorite tune. She mentioned “Dancing with the Enemy” (“That’s Gaga”), “Who Am I” (“I totally cry every time I watch it”), “The Girl I Used to Be” (“Same”) and “Heartless” (“It’s a punk song! Blink 182, hit me”).
As viewers see at the end of the film, Chissie the cat (voiced by Awkwafina) indicates that there is more to the story, something that has become a signature of all films. Both Cantrall and Baker say they are open to reprising their roles if asked, which they have not done yet. “Of course I talked to Disney,” Baker says. “I’m begging the Mouse itself to let me participate in whatever they’re planning. Blue has been a special part of my life and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
