Disney+ has greenlit the sequel to the highly popular film series “Descendants.” It looks to be a music and dance-filled sequel (falling in line with the other three “Descendants” films) and is tentatively named “The Pocketwatch.”
Jennifer Phang will direct and co-executive produce from a script by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer. Production is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2022.
Seven new songs and Disney classic songs will be featured in the movie. Returning to the franchise is production designer Mark Hofeling, who also worked on “High School Musical” and “Zombies.” Gary Marsh is an executive producer, and joining him are casting directors Alexis Frank Koczara and Christine Smith Shevchenko.
President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis said, “With a captivating script and Jennifer Phang’s directorial vision, we’re setting a new high bar of creativity and imagination, with a movie that ups the ante on the story, song, and dance to entertain young viewers, their families, and the global fan base that grew up with the aspirational story of ‘Descendants.’ We join them in anticipation as we prepare to deliver a great new entertainment experience to Disney+.”
The “Descendants” movies have been ratings gold for Disney. In 2015, 2017, and 2019, each premiere telecast of the three films ranked as the most-watched cable movie of the year among Kids 6-11 and tweens 9-14.
Dove Cameron, the late Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, and Booboo Stewart starred in the first three films, which Kenny Ortega directed. Boyce passed away in July 2019.
In addition, the soundtracks from the first two movies are certified Gold. The third was No.1 on the Billboard Soundtrack chart for four weeks, No.1 on the Children’s Album Chart, and reached No.24 on the Billboard Top 200. In addition, music videos from the franchise have over 5.5 billion Vevo views, 11 billion audio and video streams, and 2.7 billion TikTok views.
