Full Breakdown
Disney Expands the “Descendants” Franchise with “Hidden Heroes” Spin-off
8/8/2026, 12:19:09 AM
Core Event: New Film Enters Production
Disney announced that “Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story” will begin production next week. The movie is positioned as a fresh chapter in the “Descendants” franchise and will be produced by Disney Kids & Family.
Background & Context
The announcement follows Disney’s earlier expansion of the franchise with “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” which was also executive-produced by Tamara Chestna and Gary Marsh. By centering the narrative on the children of classic sidekicks, Disney aims to explore a previously untapped segment of its fairy-tale universe.
Cast and Creative Team Details
The film’s premise centers on a secret training academy for the offspring of iconic sidekicks. The disclosed cast includes:
- Dior Goodjohn as Jennie, daughter of Genie (Aladdin)
- Momona Tamada as Zara, daughter of Yzma (The Emperor’s New Groove)
- Jacob Rodriguez as Kronk Jr., son of Kronk (The Emperor’s New Groove)
- Eva Fossaceca Smedley as Meri, daughter of Merryweather (Sleeping Beauty)
- Harry Jones as Lou, son of Lumière (Beauty and the Beast)
Rhys Dawkins, Connor Wong and Kyra Wong will portray the Potts siblings from “Beauty and the Beast.”
The screenplay is written by Tamara Chestna, Eydie Faye and Emma Fletcher; Jude Weng directs. Executive producers are Mark Ordesky, Jane Fleming, Gary Marsh and Tamara Chestna. Choreography is handled by Louise Hradsky and Jeffrey Mortensen.
Official Statement
Ayo Davis, president of Disney Kids & Family, said the project puts sidekicks “center stage” and continues the franchise’s tradition of offering “music, dance and heart” that fans expect.
Verbatim Quote
“One of the things that has always made ‘Descendants’ so special is the way it invites audiences to experience familiar Disney stories through an entirely new perspective,” — Ayo Davis, president, Disney Kids & Family
