The recent D23 convention, the cast of Descendants: The Rise of Red gathered to honor the late Cameron Boyce and reflect on his lasting impact on the franchise. The tribute highlighted Boyce’s extraordinary talent and the high standards he set for the cast.
Honoring a Legacy
The cast, including Joshua Colley and Peder Lindell, spoke to PEOPLE about how the film continues to honor Boyce’s memory. Boyce, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 20 due to complications from epilepsy, was celebrated for his role in the original Descendants trilogy. Colley emphasized that Boyce’s influence remains strong in The Rise of Red, with the film paying tribute to his character, Carlos. Lindell echoed this sentiment, noting that Boyce’s career was on a trajectory toward even greater success.
A Lasting Impact
Dara Reneé, who stars in the new film, described Boyce’s legacy as deeply impactful. She highlighted the rare and positive nature of the memories shared by those who knew him. Ruby Rose Turner praised Boyce as a “gift” to both the franchise and the industry, expressing a wish that he could witness the continued success of the series.
Malia Baker and Morgan Dudley, both involved in the new installment, also reflected on Boyce’s influence. They noted that his presence on screen was so vibrant that his essence continues to be felt by the cast and crew, even by those who did not know him personally.
Future of the Franchise
The latest film leaves the door open for future installments, with a cliffhanger that hints at more adventures to come. Kylie Cantrall and Malia Baker expressed their excitement about potential sequels, particularly exploring new dynamics and character developments.
Brandy and Paolo Montalban, reprising their roles as Cinderella and Prince Charming, also expressed enthusiasm about future possibilities. Brandy noted her openness to new projects, while Montalban hinted at the endless potential for further storylines.
As the Descendants franchise evolves, the cast remains dedicated to honoring Cameron Boyce’s legacy and building on the strong foundation he helped create.
