Brandy is back in regal fashion! Disney+ celebrated the world premiere of the Disney Original Movie Descendants: The Rise of Red at the Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California. The singer and actress who originally played Cinderella nearly 30 years ago, returned to the role and graced the carpet with her co-star Rita Ora (Queen of Hearts) and other cast members.
Brand and Rita Ora at the Descendants: The Rise of Red world premiere at The Walt Disney Studios Lot in Burbank, California. Image: Disney/Mike Baker.
“She’s a queen now. She’s a mother. She’s married to King Charming and she’s just doing her thing,” Brandy told EBONY. Slipping back into the role—and wardrobe—was seamless for the songstress. “When I first placed it on [in Disney’s live-action Cinderella], just wearing the costume was so magical. And then to do it again, it’s a blessing. I was just so elated.”
Whitney Houston played Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother in the 1997 live-action film, and for Brandy, the late singer’s presence is still strong. “I definitely feel like she’s still with me. I feel like she’s a part of this and would be so proud,” Brandy shared.
“Working with her was the biggest dream come true for me. Singing with her, just getting a chance to be myself with her, making her laugh and just learning things from her was just such a blessing. I think she’d be super supportive of today if she was here with us.”
Brandy, Malia Baker and Paolo Montalban in Descendants: The Rise of Red. Image: Disney/Quantrell Colbert.
Malia Baker plays Chloe Charming, King Charming and Queen Cinderella’s daughter and can easily see why their story has endured over the decades. “They are so picture-perfect,” she said. “Chloe looks up to them as I do as well. I didn’t have to act whatsoever.”
This fourth installment of the Descendants franchise also features Paolo Montalban, Brandy’s original Prince Charming, and Dara Reneé as Uliana, Ursula’s sister.
Descendants: The Rise of Red is now streaming on Disney+.
