Heroes and villains

The offspring of some of Disney’s most famous villains come to the small screen this weekend as the American musical film “Descendants” makes it Thai debut. 

Directed by Kenny Ortega of the “High School Musical” trilogy and Michael Jackson’s “This Is It”, the musical fantasy brings villains from Walt Disney animated films together in a live-action fairy tale.

Set 20 years after the marriage of Beast and Belle, which saw them unite all the settings of famous fairy tales into the United States of Auradon, and get elected king and queen, the story centres on the couple’s son Prince Ben, who is soon to be crowned the next king of Auradon.

His first proclamation is to invite four teenagers from the Isle of the Lost, where all the villains and their associates have been imprisoned for almost two decades, to attend his school, Auradon Prep.

The four are Cruella de Vil’s son Carlos (Cameron Boyce); Jafar’s son Jay (Booboo Stewart); the Evil Queen’s daughter Evie (Sofia Carson) and Maleficent’s daughter Mal (Dove Cameron). Before they leave, the quartet are summoned by Maleficent (Kristin Chenoweth) who orders them to steal the Fairy Godmother's wand so she can control both evil and good magic.

Dove Cameron had a few things to say to Thai fans about her role.

 

WHAT DO YOU THINK ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF MAL’S POWERS?

I think the biggest advantage is that her powers inspire her to become bigger and stronger than her mother and to find out who she really is. Going against that is the fact that she’s very young and doesn’t yet has a grasp or understanding of her powers. I think if there were a sequel she might even abuse them! She’s just not really mature enough to have powers yet.

 

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO BE PART OF DISNEY’S “DESCENDANTS” AND HOW DOES IT FEEL TO PORTRAY MAL?

It’s the most incredible thing I’ve done so far. I feel so proud of it, in a true genuine sense. I really want the people I know to see it. I feel honoured to play Mal and am so grateful to the Disney Channel for giving me the opportunity to play her in my own way, even though she’s so complex

 

WHAT WAS THE MOST MEMORABLE THING OR WORKING ON THE SET?

That would definitely be working with Kristin and that super rough but intense mother-daughter moment. She’s been one of my heroes since I was seven and I never knew what it would be like working with her. She gave me very good feedback and that really elevated my acting.

 

FROM ALL THE CHARACTERS YOU’VE EVER PLAYED, WHICH WOULD BE YOUR FAVOURITE AND WHY?

Mal, is my favourite for sure! She’s so similar to me in some ways, and so different in other ways, it’s just a very nice blend. It’s not like it was hard to relate to this character. She’s so real to me, I love her and I care about her as if she’s a real person! I’m really passionate about her, so she’s definitely my favourite.

 

DO YOU THINK MAL IS ACTUALLY A NICE AND KIND-HEARTED PERSON DEEP DOWN INSIDE.

Yes I do. I think she’s a very sensitive person and has the most massive heart, and I to play her that way. She is definitely the most sensitive of the group, and that’s probably why she’s the most harsh, because she has a massive heart to protect.

 

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING THE DAUGHTER OF MALEFICIENT?

Being the daughter of Maleficient is complicated. I love my mother and I want to make her happy, but it is difficult for me to that sometimes. She’s very judgmental with me, but that doesn’t mean that she doesn’t love me, and I look forward to meeting her high expectations one day.

 

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