Falling down the rabbit hole and into a new Wonderland is only the start of a new adventure. On July 14, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures hosted the premiere of Disney “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland”
Kiara Romero (Winston Sanchez / L.A. Times HS Insider)
In addition to the screening and after party, on the red carpet, many of the new actors joining “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland” said it felt surreal to become part of such an iconic franchise.
“It’s really feeling real in this moment,” Kiara Romero, who plays Hazel Hook, said. “For a year and a half, we filmed in Vancouver, and Wonderland felt like our own little world. Now we get to share it with everyone else.”
Liamani Segura, who plays Pink, mentioned joining the “Descendants” franchise was a dream come true.
“I remember growing up and watching the original ‘Descendants’ movie on my TV, being a little girl and turning on Disney Channel and idolizing every person I saw on my screen. I wanted to be like them so bad. I memorized the dance moves, I memorized the lyrics, and now I’m finally one of those people on the screen, and it feels crazy.”
Mallia Baker (Winston Sanchez / L.A. Times HS Insider)
As new characters join the world of “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland,” returning actress, Malia Baker, who plays Chloe Charming, reminisced on her years with the franchise.
“I’ve been playing Chloe since I was 15 years old, so to be here now is such an honor. Being able to represent her and her full authenticity, it’s so nice to see her grow,” Baker said.
Without the creative team, Wonderland would have never come to life. Director Kimmy Gatewood had to think beyond her imagination when it came to crafting Wonderland.
“I had to stretch my imagination. I was working on other projects that took me around the world. I was in London, Paris and Dublin. I would go to museums and shows and try to pick up new ideas. I was inspired by the weird topiaries at Wimbledon. You never know what you’re going to get inspired by.”
Kimmy Gatewood (Winston Sanchez / L.A. Times HS Insider)
The Descendants franchise is most notable for their music and choreography. Choreographer, Emilio Dosal, explores new styles of movement when it comes to shaping his choreography.
“Naturally, you look at all the ‘Descendants’ films, and you get a sense of what they aim for,” Dosal said. “Then you have to keep your finger on the pulse of the future and where movement is going, and find ways to cultivate it. I found a lot of inspiration in the street dance world. I bring that to the set, and I’m able to create movement.”
As the next generations of “Descendants” continue to carry on the legacy, Melanie Paxson, who plays the Fairy Godmother, shared how impressed she is with the new cast.
“What’s interesting is that from [film] three to five, new cast, [four to five] new cast, and what blows my mind is how much talent is out there in the world. All of them can sing, act and dance and are so talented.”
Disney Descendants: Wicked Wonderland is now streaming on Disney Channel and Disney+
