Rita Ora has shared an exclusive look into her experiences on the set of the much-anticipated film, *Descendants: Wicked Wonderland*, during the Los Angeles premiere on 14 July. Speaking with PEOPLE, the 35-year-old singer and actress revealed some behind-the-scenes antics involving her co-star Brandy, who reprises her role as Cinderella in the Disney franchise.
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Ora, who takes on the character of the Queen of Hearts, described their time together on the set as filled with playful mischief. “Me and Brandy got up to so much naughty stuff on set,” she said, adding that their antics often caught the attention of younger cast members who were curious about their playful behaviour. “The kids were like, ‘Can we?’ and I’m like, ‘Sorry,’” she recalled with a chuckle.
In addition to their fun, Ora noted that she and Brandy formed a strong bond over their characters’ maternal instincts. Despite the Queen of Hearts’ traditionally fierce persona, Ora explained that this film allows a deeper exploration of her character. “I really tapped into my motherly instinct in this movie because we find out that I have another daughter in this new sort of universe. I will do anything to protect my kids,” she shared.
The actress also hinted at the evolving dynamics between her character and Cinderella in this latest installment. “Brandy and I really bonded on that,” Ora stated. “The Queen of Hearts and Cinderella are very close in this franchise, especially in this movie. I had a blast showing a different side of the Queen of Hearts.”
*Wicked Wonderland*, the fifth entry in the *Descendants* series, continues the story introduced in *The Rise of Red*, released in 2024. The plot sees characters Red, played by Kylie Cantrall, and Chloe, portrayed by Malia Baker, embarking on a mission to reverse troubling events that led the Queen of Hearts down her dark path.
Kylie Cantrall and Rita Ora developed a strong camaraderie during filming, with Ora praising Cantrall for her magnetic personality. “It was like we just picked up where we left off, you know,” Ora remarked. She praised Cantrall’s warmth and maturity, saying, “She’s always very aware and alert, and way more mature than me.”
The film follows the adventures of Red and Chloe as they confront the consequences of their time-travel escapades and face a formidable new villain threatening Wonderland. Supporting cast members include Liamani as Pink, Alexandro Byrd as Luis Madrigal, Kiara T. Romero as Hazel Hook, and Leonardo Ham as Maddox Hatter.
Fans can mark their calendars for the air date, as *Descendants: Wicked Wonderland* will premiere on the Disney Channel on 16 July and stream on Disney+ the following day, 17 July. With its blend of whimsical storytelling and character development, this installment promises to be a thrilling addition to the beloved franchise.
Rita Ora’s insights not only reflect her excitement for the project but also shed light on the strong community among the cast members, making it evident that the *Descendants* series is about more than just on-screen magic, but also about the genuine connections formed behind the scenes. As anticipation builds for the release, this additional context adds richness to the forthcoming narrative that fans have come to love.