Over two decades after their captivating on-screen portrayal of Cinderella and King Charming in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella, Brandy and Paolo Montalban have once again stepped into their fairy tale roles, enchanting audiences with their magical reunion. The duo is set to reprise these iconic characters in the upcoming Disney film, Descendants: The Rise of Red, much to the delight of their devoted fans.
Brandy, reflecting on the opportunity to revive such renowned roles, expressed her excitement, stating, “They’re such iconic roles, and you don’t get a chance to do that very often in life, so I wanted to do it again.” Paolo Montalban echoed her sentiments, describing the experience of singing and waltzing with Brandy as “so incredibly special.” The reunion on set was nothing short of surreal for both actors, with Brandy unable to contain her joy, describing the moment as “spectacular.”
The duo’s effortless transition back into their respective characters is a testament to their enduring chemistry and the deep connection they share with these beloved roles. Montalban praised Brandy’s regal portrayal of Queen Cinderella, noting that as an actor, he “doesn’t have to act” because his character has “so much gratitude and respect for Cinderella.” This seamless interaction between the two actors is sure to captivate audiences once again, as they bring their iconic characters to life in this new chapter of the Descendants franchise.
The impact of the original 1997 film, in which Brandy and Montalban first played Cinderella and King Charming, cannot be overstated. Montalban expressed his gratitude to the fans, who still come up to him and share their love for the film, emphasizing the importance of “making history and touching people.” Brandy echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the blessing of “inspiring and touching lives through their work.”
As the Descendants franchise continues to evolve, both Brandy and Montalban have expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of reprising their roles in future sequels. Brandy’s declaration, “You know we will be open for another Descendants,” and her openness to exploring the depth of these characters, showcases their unwavering commitment to the enduring legacy of Cinderella and King Charming.
Descendants: The Rise of Red promises to carry forward the spirit of representation and magic that has become the hallmark of the franchise. Montalban’s proud proclamation of bringing this spirit “for a whole new generation” underscores the significance of this latest chapter in the Descendants saga.
Fans eagerly await the release of Descendants: The Rise of Red on Disney+ on July 12, eager to witness the continued evolution of these beloved characters and the enchanting reunion of Brandy and Paolo Montalban. As they step back into their fairy tale roles, audiences can anticipate a captivating and magical experience that will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of viewers, much like the original film did over two decades ago.
