Brandy Norwood’s return as Cinderella in Disney’s “Descendants: Rise of Red” is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It’s a cultural milestone that’s inspiring a new generation and reinforcing the importance of representation in Hollywood. As Brandy and Paolo Montalban reprise their iconic roles as Cinderella and King Charming, their impact on both older and younger audiences becomes ever clearer.
Brandy’s Magical Return
Brandy Norwood’s portrayal of Cinderella in the 1997 classic “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” was groundbreaking, not just for its star-studded cast, but also for its diverse representation. Fast forward to 2024, and Brandy steps back into her glass slippers in “Descendants: Rise of Red,” a film that blends the past and present for a new generation. Streaming on Disney+, the movie revisits the magic of the original while introducing Gen Alpha and younger Gen Zers to the enchanting story that so many grew up with.
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Reflecting on her return, Brandy expressed her excitement and gratitude for revisiting this beloved role. “I just felt super blessed and just so excited to play this iconic role again and to get the opportunity to work with Paolo again,” she shared.
A New Era of Representation
Paolo Montalban, who once again plays Prince Christopher Charming, was equally thrilled. He described the moment he first saw Brandy in costume after more than 25 years as a surreal and heartwarming experience. “It’s like the confluence of the universe coming together,” he remarked, emphasizing the emotional resonance of the reunion.
The original “Cinderella” was ahead of its time, setting a high bar with its diverse casting and legendary musical score. Today, “Descendants: Rise of Red” carries that torch forward. In the film, Cinderella and King Charming have evolved into queen and king, passing down their legacy to their daughter, Princess Chloe, played by Malia Baker. Instead of glass slippers, Chloe inherits diamond-encrusted Converse sneakers, symbolizing a fresh and modern take on the traditional fairy tale.
Malia Baker, at just 17 years old, embodies the new generation of representation in Hollywood. Growing up with “Descendants” and Brandy’s “Cinderella,” she is now living her dream of inspiring others through her role. “It was a movie for dreamers, and I think that’s what I was really brought up on,” Baker said, emphasizing the importance of seeing oneself represented on screen.
Inspiring the Future
The significance of Baker’s role isn’t lost on her. “Seeing little girls with my doll and walking around, I was like, ‘I can’t take this, this is all happening,’” she shared. This new wave of representation, embodied by Baker and her co-stars Kylie Cantrall, Dara Reneé, and Morgan Dudley, shows how far Hollywood has come — and how much further it can go.
Brandy and Montalban are proud of the legacy they’ve helped create and the new generation they’re inspiring. Brandy’s words resonate deeply: “That’s why you do what you do, so you can inspire other people. And I’m just so happy that I’m able to get a chance to do that again.”
“Descendants: Rise of Red” is more than a sequel; it’s a celebration of diversity, representation, and the timeless power of storytelling. Brandy’s Cinderella continues to inspire, proving that the magic of this tale is as powerful now as it was 27 years ago. As the torch is passed to a new generation, the story of Cinderella remains a beacon of hope, dreams, and the belief that everyone deserves their own happily ever after.
