Disney Channel Orders Original Movie Following Children of Classic Villains

According to Deadline, Disney Channel has ordered a new live-action original movie, DESCENDENTS, set to feature the children of some of Disney's most classic villains.

The film, written by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott, will be directed by HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL's Kenny Ortega.

"We mined Disney's treasure trove of stories and developed a new, comedic approach to the fabled characters everyone knows and loves," said Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. "The result is a modern and unexpected re-interpretation of classic heritage characters utilizing contemporary, relatable settings and themes."

Per the report, DESCENDANETS "is set in a present day idyllic kingdom, where the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a Forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters. These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma. Should they follow in their nefarious parents' footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?"

Casting is currently underway, while production is slated to begin in the spring. DESCENDENTS will premiere on Disney Channel in 2015.