Disney expands 'Descendants' universe with 'Hidden Heroes,' a movie focusing on the sidekicks

The "Descendants" universe expands with the upcoming film "Hidden Heroes: A Descendants Story," greenlit by Disney Channel and Disney+.

Following the success of "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland," "Hidden Heroes" brings the stories of the descendants to the screen in a brand-new way, by focusing on the sidekicks!

The synopsis reads, "Hidden in the center of each fairy tale is a portal to a secret training facility where the descendants of legendary sidekicks are challenged to join the elite ranks of partners to heroes. When a villainous duo comes to Sidekick Academy, a group of fresh recruits must band together - without heroes, without parents - using only their new skills to save the fairytale realm before it's too late."

Dior Goodjohn, Momona Tamada, Jacob Rodriguez, Eva Fossaceca Smedley and Harry Jones will star as the new group of descendants in the following roles:

• Dior Goodjohn ("Percy Jackson and the Olympians") as Jennie, the daughter of Genie from "Aladdin"


• Momona Tamada as Zara, the daughter of Yzma from "The Emperor's New Groove"


• Jacob Rodriguez ("Tell Me Lies") as Kronk Jr., the son of Kronk from "The Emperor's New Groove"


• Eva Fossaceca Smedley as Meri, the daughter of Merryweather from "Sleeping Beauty"


• Harry Jones as Lou, the son of Lumiere from "Beauty and the Beast"

Also joining the cast are Rhys Dawkins, Connor Wong and Kyra Wong as the Potts Siblings from "Beauty and the Beast".

The film goes into production next week.

On The Red Carpet caught up with Goodjohn last year, who know a thing or two about heroes and villains!

President of Disney Kids & Family, Ayo Davis said, "One of the things that has always made 'Descendants' so special is the way it invites audiences to experience familiar Disney stories through an entirely new perspective... With 'Hidden Heroes,' we're finally putting the sidekicks center stage, because they've always been an essential part of Disney's greatest adventures. It's a fun, surprising new chapter that expands the 'Descendants' universe with all the music, dance and heart fans love and expect from the franchise."

"Hidden Heroes" is directed by Jude Weng ("Only Murders in the Building," "Finding 'Ohana"). The script was written by Tamara Chestna, Eydie Faye and Emma Fletcher. Mark Ordesky ("ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires") and Jane Fleming ("ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires") are executive producers, alongside Gary Marsh and Chestna, who executive produced "Descendants: Wicked Wonderland." Louise Hradsky and Jeffrey Mortensen are the choreographers. The movie is produced by Disney Kids & Family.

The rest of the "Descendants" franchise is currently streaming on Disney+.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Disney Channel, Disney+ and this ABC station.