By: Davyn Horton
July 31 will mark a significant milestone for one of the most popular franchises for Disney right now. Descendants is turning 10 years old. The mega hit franchise started in 2015. Since then, it has had four films, a TV special, an animated short series, with a fifth film, Descendants Wicked Wonderland, set to release Summer 2026. All in all, this franchise means a lot to fans around the world. With that, looking back at it 10 years later will be something truly special.
Honoring The Fallen
Before going any further, it is important to acknowledge one critical person from the start of the Descendants franchise that, sadly, did not live to see this day.
Cameron Boyce was just 20 years old when he was found dead due to an epileptic seizure in 2019. Boyce played Carlos, the son of Cruella del Vil. For many, Boyce was their favorite part of the franchise, making his death all the more heartbreaking.
When speaking of his death, close friend and fellow co-star China Anne McClain said:
To Mr. Vic, Mrs. Libby and Maya, I’m so sorry. And you guys lost something that the rest of us didn’t lose, you know. You guys lost blood, a son, a brother, and I lost my best friend. My closet friend, my longest friend.
Following his death, several tributes came to be both within and outside of the franchise. From within, the 2021 TV special Descendants The Royal Wedding featured a touching and emotional tribute to Boyce, through the wedding gift from Evie (Sofia Carson) and Jay (Booboo Stewart) to Mal (Dove Cameron). In addition, the beginning of 2024’s Descendants The Rise of Red, fittingly featured McClain’s character Uma, giving an emotional tribute to Carlos. However, it also served as a tribute for Boyce himself.
In short, Cameron Boyce meant so much to so many. He will always be remembered for his energy, charisma, and dedication to his work. It is unfortunate he never lived to see this day, but he will be in the hearts of fans, forever.
Descendants – 10 Years Later
July 31, 2015 was when the Descendants franchise kicked off. Many thought it would never go anywhere. However, it’s become a phenomenon for Disney.
With a animated short series from 2015-2017, sequel films in 2017 and 2019, a TV special in 2021, and two spinoff films (one in 2024 and a second coming in 2026), the franchise is thriving. There is even a tour, the Descendants Zombies Worlds Collide Tour, which shows the pull the franchise has on a larger scale.
In terms of the characters, there are fans who love the main four VKs of Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos. For others, the next generation of characters such as Red (Kylie Cantrall) and Chloe (Malia Baker) are more their speed.
Then, there’s the music. “If Only” from the original, “Space Between” from Descendants 2, “Good To Be Bad” from Descendants 3, “Life is Sweeter” from The Rise of Red, just to name a few.
No matter the connections to the franchise, all come together to love it all the same. This franchise is about accepting people as they are. It’s about love, pride, and dedication, which will be remembered for a long time to come.
Reflecting On The Past, Looking To The Future
All in all, Descendants may be a franchise directed at kids, but it’s touched the hearts of many all over the world. There may come a time where the franchise ends, but the memories fans have will remain, until the end of time.