Disney has made a smart move to incorporate a bit of nostalgic casting into Descendants: Rise of Red. Descendants has historically wanted to acknowledge Disney’s legacy while reshaping it for contemporary tweens. Brandy Norwood charmed a generation with her portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 made-for-TV movie, and she reprised a version of her iconic role in Rise of Red – continuing this trend. Brandy’s casting piqued the interest of a generation of millennial parents, helping the franchise stad the test of time.

Descendants: Rise of Red is the fourth film in the franchise and, perhaps disappointingly, most of the original cast opted not to return. It is also the first film in the franchise following Cameron Boyce’s untimely death. Descendants: Rise of Red handled a tribute to Cameron Boyce beautifully by having Uma (portrayed by Boyce’s lifelong friend, China Anne McClain) mention wanting to do something for his legacy. The film added two new protagonists to the story and used their parents to incorporate a bit of stunt casting.

Brandy Reprises Her Role As Cinderella In Descendants: The Rise Of Red

Brandy Returns to Cinderella Nearly 30 Years Later

Brandy Norwood reprised her beloved version of Cinderella in Descendants: The Rise of Red. The film attempted to incorporate the nostalgia surrounding Brandy’s 1997 TV film Rogers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Previously, the Descendants series primarily pulled from the Disney animation version of the characters, including incorporating the color scheme of the animated films into the costumes. However, introducing Brandy’s version of Cinderella opened the door to other Disney-sanctioned universes. Incorporating Brandy’s Cinderella reiterates the cultural impact of the 1997 production for a modern audience.

1997’s Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was a relatively faithful retelling of Cinderella that was most famous for its use of colorblind casting. Brandy played Ella, Whitney Houston played the Fairy Godmother, and Paolo Montalban played Prince Charming. The musical had a resurgence when it debuted on Disney+. Brandy’s casting was memorable, particularly for Black women, who could see themselves as Disney princesses long before Tiana became the first official Black Disney Princess.

The Significance Of Descendants: The Rise Of Red’s Cinderella Casting

All Disney Versions Are Up For Grabs

Brandy’s Cinderella in Rise of Red is not exactly the version from the 1997 film. She met her Prince Charming in high school because the story aligned with The Descendants’ universe. Though the return of Brandy’s Cinderella could be written off as millennial nostalgia bait, it marks a significant shift in the franchise’s approach to storytelling and Disney lore. Brandy’s Cinderella means the franchise no longer has to exist in a single Disney universe. Disney has multiple interpretations of the characters across various media, and the future of The Descendants means pulling from all of those universes.

The franchise is no longer confined to the animated classics. It can draw inspiration from the vast multiverse of Disney-approved characters. It opens the world to Disney live-action films, which have been more inclusive than the older animations. The show could also use Once Upon a Time‘s interpretation of the villains. New worlds allow Disney fans to see their favorite characters in unexpected ways. This can expand the longevity of the franchise. One set of teen protagonists can leave and other versions of those characters can enter the universe, all thanks to this clever casting.

Descendants 4’s Brandy And Paolo Montalban Roles Connect Disney’s Past & Present

The Use Of Brandy’s Cinderella Hints That Disney Understands The Importance Its Past Has On Its Future

Brandy and Paolo Montalban’s casting in 1997 signaled that Disney was willing to embrace the diversity of its audience. Adding Bandy and Montalban to this version has signaled that Disney still values inclusivity and a willingness to embrace the diverse interpretations of the characters. By doing so, Disney is paving the way for a more inclusive Disney landscape. The casting choice enriches the story and hints at exciting potential crossovers in the franchise.

Casting Brandy and Paolo Montalban in 1997 showed that Disney was willing to embrace the diversity of its audience and challenge casting norms. It created a new generation of Disney fans who expected to see themselves represented on screen. The return of Brandy and Montalban in Descendants: Rise of Red rekindles the magic of the characters but also reaffirms Disney’s commitment to diversity and inclusion in storytelling. It is a testament to the enduring power of their portrayals. ​​​​​​​

Descendants: Rise of Red successfully weaves together the nostalgia of the past and the progressive storytelling of the present to showcase Disney’s ability to evolve. Brandy’s return is not just a nostalgic cameo. She still has the same warm and elegant nature that she had in the 1997 film. Her character is a support system to her daughter Chloe (Malia Baker). The casting choice is not just a hat-tip to fans, but a statement about the future of Disney’s storytelling. Rise of Red and Brandy’s casting opens the door for richer and more diverse stories while continuing to provide the Disney magic.