Disney's latest installment, "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland," is now available on Disney+, continuing the story of Red and Chloe following their alterations to the past. The film introduces new characters and explores the ripple effects of their actions on the future.
A significant element of the "Descendants" franchise is its music, with each song integral to the narrative. An exclusive clip offers a glimpse into the creation of the soundtrack, from initial ideas to full performances, highlighting the diverse musical styles incorporated.
"We’ve got a mix of pop songs, rock ballads, Latin vibes as well. I think there’s something for everybody," said lead Kylie Cantrall. Her co-star Malia Baker added, “I don’t think there is a miss to any song.”
Steven Vincent, Disney’s senior vice president of music and soundtracks, noted a shift in musical direction compared to the previous film, "Descendants: The Rise of Red," which leaned heavily into hip-hop and K-pop. "I wanted to get us back a little more to singing, like we had in the previous three movies," Vincent explained.
Actors Brandy Norwood and Rita Ora discussed their duet, "The Girl I Used To Be," describing it as a "heartfelt moment between two queens" that celebrates friendship and offers a more mature take on the "Descendants" theme.
The film's choreography, a staple of the franchise since the original three movies were choreographed by Kenny Ortega, is now handled by Emilio Dosal. Dosal choreographed seven dance numbers for "Wicked Wonderland," incorporating a variety of styles.
"The choreography is amazing! Emilio did not come to play," Cantrall remarked. "He is such a creative genius."
Director Kimmy Gatewood revealed that the cast undergoes a four-week intensive choreography boot camp prior to production. "I wasn’t thinking that the choreo was going to be this technical," admitted Liamani Segura, who plays Red's sister, Pink. Dosal stated, "Anybody who’s seen my body of work knows that I love to incorporate as many styles as I possibly can."