DESCENDANTS: MADNESS RETURNS (2026)

Starring: Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, China Anne McClain, Booboo Stewart, Mitchell Hope, Kylie Cantrall, Rita Ora, Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Anya Taylor-Joy

Genre: Fantasy • Musical • Adventure • Family • Dark Fairytale

Rating: ★★★★★ (Breathtaking fusion of adventure, music, and villainous legacy — where darkness reveals courage.)

In a world where dark fairytales intertwine with fate, Descendants: Madness Returns brings a bold, thrilling new chapter to the beloved franchise. This time, the children of villains find themselves trapped in a twisted, perilous version of Wonderland, where every step, every choice, could mean life or death. The stakes have never been higher as they battle against the very madness that runs through the veins of their ancestors and the fate of their world teeters on the edge of collapse.

A New Wonderland, A New Destiny

Mal (Dove Cameron), Evie (Sofia Carson), Uma (China Anne McClain), and Jay (Booboo Stewart) have faced countless obstacles in the past, but nothing could have prepared them for the chaos they now find themselves in. Trapped in Wonderland, a place where nothing is as it seems, their once familiar surroundings have become a labyrinth of riddles and power struggles. Wonderland is no longer just a place of whimsy—it is a realm of madness, where the line between reality and illusion blurs, and where the very laws of magic seem to bend and break.

As they try to navigate this twisted land, the quartet must confront their own darkest fears and deepest insecurities. The dangers they face are not just external but deeply personal, as their destinies are linked to the very madness that defines Wonderland itself. With each choice, they must decide whether to embrace their villainous legacies or fight to carve out a new path—a path that might save their world, but at a cost they are not prepared to pay.

In Wonderland, the wicked don’t just fall into madness—they become it.

The Crimson Clock: A Race Against Time

Back in the world they know, Ben (Mitchell Hope), the kind-hearted son of Belle and Beast, leads a group of allies in a desperate race to awaken the Crimson Clock. This ancient timepiece, a powerful symbol of magic, is the key to restoring balance before the realm collapses under the weight of unchecked power. With the clock frozen, magic itself is starting to unravel. Monsters roam freely, magic spells backfire, and even the most stable kingdoms are falling into chaos. Ben and his team, including the fearless Carlos (Kylie Cantrall) and the resourceful Audrey (Rita Ora), are running out of time to save their world—and to save the ones they love.

But awakening the Crimson Clock isn’t as simple as just turning the hands back. They must face challenges that test their courage, wisdom, and loyalty, all while racing against a tide of dark forces that seek to prevent them from succeeding. Along the way, they cross paths with unexpected allies, including Zendaya’s character, a mysterious and powerful figure whose true allegiance is unclear. With her help, Ben and his team begin to uncover the secrets of Wonderland and the strange connection between the Crimson Clock and the land of madness.

The Legacy of Villains

One of the most thrilling aspects of Madness Returns is the deep dive into the legacies of the villains who shaped the lives of our heroes. The parents of Mal, Evie, Uma, and Jay loom large over their children’s fates, and this new adventure challenges them to reckon with their own identities. Are they destined to follow in their villainous parents’ footsteps, or will they rise above the darkness that has defined their bloodlines?

Each of the four young heroes faces their own internal battle. Mal, struggling with her legacy as the daughter of Maleficent, must decide whether to continue her path of self-preservation or risk everything for the greater good. Evie, the daughter of the Evil Queen, wrestles with the temptation to use her intelligence and charm for power rather than compassion. Uma, daughter of Ursula, grapples with her longing for freedom from her mother’s shadow, while Jay, son of Jafar, must face the duality of his nature—the goodness inside him versus the cruelty he has inherited.

As they journey through Wonderland, these internal conflicts manifest in real, tangible ways, as the heroes must decide whether they are capable of breaking free from their pasts and reshaping their futures. Madness Returns is not just a battle against external forces—it’s a journey of self-discovery, where the true test is not defeating villains, but overcoming the darkness within themselves.

Music, Adventure, and Dark Fairytales

As with its predecessors, Madness Returns is packed with show-stopping musical numbers that heighten the emotional stakes and bring the story to life in vibrant, unforgettable ways. From high-energy ensemble numbers that see the characters fighting for their futures, to haunting ballads that delve into the characters’ innermost struggles, the soundtrack is an integral part of the film’s appeal. Timothée Chalamet, Anya Taylor-Joy, and other new cast members bring their own unique energy to the music, contributing to the film’s ability to balance adventure, heart, and darkness.

The world-building in Madness Returns is also a major highlight. Wonderland, a land filled with bizarre creatures, magical landscapes, and strange rulers, is depicted with stunning visual effects. The world is at once beautiful and terrifying, a place where the familiar takes on twisted new forms. From the chaotic, shifting labyrinths to the eerie, ever-changing skies, the setting enhances the film’s sense of danger and mystery.

But at the heart of it all is the central message of courage. As the heroes face perilous trials, they are reminded that bravery isn’t about the absence of fear—it’s about confronting it head-on, even when the stakes seem insurmountable. Madness Returns is a dark fairytale in the truest sense, a story that explores the power of family, loyalty, and love while showing that sometimes, the greatest magic lies not in the spells we cast, but in the choices we make.

The Final Act: Darkness and Light

The climax of Descendants: Madness Returns is nothing short of breathtaking. As the Crimson Clock ticks down and the magic of Wonderland reaches its apex, the characters are faced with impossible choices. Will they embrace the madness and power they’ve inherited, or will they fight to restore balance before it’s too late?

The showdown is as dramatic as it is emotional, with every character having to confront their pasts and make sacrifices for the greater good. Ultimately, the film reminds us that while darkness may be ever-present, courage can still shine through—and that even the wicked can find redemption if they dare to choose a different path.

Descendants: Madness Returns is a thrilling, heart-pounding continuation of the beloved franchise. With a perfect blend of music, adventure, and a dark fairytale legacy, it is a story that explores the power of choice, the weight of destiny, and the courage to break free from the shadows of the past. The battle between light and dark is not over, and the children of villains must prove that, in Wonderland, madness doesn’t have to define them. They have the power to change their fate.