like grandchildren She’s entering a new chapter, and so is Malia Baker.
The 19-year-old Botswana-born actress returns as Chloe Charming Descendants: Wicked Wonderlandreturning to the Disney franchise, not as a newcomer who adored the original cast, but as one of the faces leading the next generation.
“It’s like we’re entering this world as camp counselors this time instead of these nervous campers we were the first time,” Baker says. Hollywood Reporter In the last zoom.
“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves just because we loved movies so much. They were an integral part of my life, not only in my formative years, but also in the eyes of my peers,” she continues. “You have a lot of respect and love for them, so it was really important. But it was still a lot of fun filming.”
Returning for a second film also meant welcoming a new group of co-workers, who quickly turned into some of Baker’s closest friends. She’s excited for the world to “fall in love” with her friends and new characters.
Before the film’s release, grandchildren and Zombies The cast embarked on tour, giving Baker the opportunity to witness the fan excitement firsthand. “It’s so amazing to be able to literally watch it in front of you and have people so excited and thrilled about something so close to your heart,” she says.
the grandchildren Disney films are some of the most beloved Disney films of modern times. Baker feels that the films strike a chord of timeless themes and represent youth well, which is why they have managed to remain relevant.
For Baker, stepping into the character of Chloe meant embracing the legacy of Cinderella and Prince Charming, two of Disney’s most iconic characters. While audiences were already familiar with Chloe’s parents, the young actress had the opportunity to help define a new character entirely her own.
“I think we all put our hearts and souls into it,” she says. “Yes, these are iconic characters, but this has never been done before for Chloe Charming, and that represents a huge amount of trust to put in someone.”
And with Disney trusting Baker to portray the beloved character over the course of two films, she says she found herself growing alongside Chloe. “When things in your life start to change, you can find different levels and depths to whatever character you play,” she says. “I think Chloe and I have been very lucky to have been through very similar stages in our lives. It’s like we’re really learning these lessons at the same time and being inspired by each other’s growth.”
The actress hopes so Wicked Wonderland Viewers watch and enjoy it. “It may seem like it’s your responsibility to not enjoy something, because it’s not that serious,” she says. “But I think there’s something really magical about being able to learn a great lesson while having fun.”
While Chloe Charming may be the role she’s best known for today, Starfire from Starfire tops her acting list. Teen Titans. “I love Starfire, I think she’s the best ever, she’s a villain in her own right,” she says with a laugh. “I would trade the blue for some pink hair anytime, anywhere.”
The actress says that getting a role in a biopic would be a dream for her. “I don’t know who or what or when, and I keep joking with Brandi about playing her,” she says. “I told her I was going to start practicing it.”
While Starfire, and perhaps a biopic for Brandi if she gives that call, remains on Baker’s appearance board, she’s still wrapping her head around the fact that she’s become one of the faces of Disney’s newest generation with grandchildren.
“I would have been shocked and appalled when I was a little sassy, and everything in between. That’s still a dream now,” Baker says of her younger self. “I have to have little reminders every now and then. I don’t think it’ll quite take hold, and honestly, I’m glad it won’t.”
