Disney+ announced “The Pocketwatch” (working title), a newly greenlit music- and dance-filled original movie from Disney Branded Television, will expand the fantastic world created in “Descendants,” the global entertainment megahit franchise that introduced the teenage sons and daughters of Disney’s most iconic classic characters and infamous villains. Seven new songs and Disney classic songs will advance the story.
Lauded filmmaker Jennifer Phang (“Advantageous,” “Half-Life,” “Foundation,” “The Flight Attendant”) is set to direct and is co-executive producer of the movie which is scheduled to begin production in the fall from a script written by Dan Frey and Russell Sommer (“Magic: The Gathering”).
The expansive new story introduces “Red,” the whip-smart and rebellious teenage daughter of the Queen of Hearts (“Alice in Wonderland”) and “Chloe,” the perfectionist and athletic daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming (“Cinderella”). In order to prevent an impending coup in Auradon – one that looms during the celebration of a new royal baby –, Red must join forces with Chloe to travel in back in time, via the White Rabbit’s pocket watch, to stop an event that would lead to grave consequences.
Regarding directing the upcoming movie, Phang said:
’The Pocketwatch’ presents a delightful canvas with fantastical world building. Musicals sparked my imagination when I was a kid and are a huge part of what drew me to filmmaking. I think that’s because they have a way of conveying these lovely, nuanced ideas through song and expressive movement. I’m also always inspired by the diversity of families that exist all around the world. So I really jumped at the chance to craft a supercharged musical experience and explore some new, invigorating themes inside an expansive Disney universe.