The Disney Channel has had a great idea, even if it’s going to be difficult to make it work in practice – they’re going to give it a good try though. They’ve announced they’re making a live-action TV movie called Descendants, based around the kids of Disney villains.
Casting is now underway on the film, with High School Musical helmer Kenny Ortega set to direct.
Here’s the incredibly intriguing synopsis: ‘In a present day idyllic kingdom, the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney’s iconic “Beauty and the Beast”) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at 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.
‘These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes, including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma. Should they follow in their nefarious parents’ footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom.’
It will be difficult not to make it come across as cheesy and a bit cheap on a Disney Channel budget, but we’d imagine the House Of Mouse is already eying the merchandising potential, so they’ll probably put a lot of effort in. The hope is to have is ready to screen in early 2015.