Actress Malia Baker is poised to take a more prominent role in the expanding Disney universe, returning as Chloe Charming in the highly anticipated Descendants: Wicked Wonderland. The 20-year-old Botswana-born talent, who previously joined the popular franchise in Descendants: The Rise of Red, is now stepping into a leadership position, guiding a new generation of characters and solidifying her status as a burgeoning Hollywood figure.
The Evolution of a Disney Legacy
The Descendants franchise has carved out a significant niche in modern pop culture, captivating audiences with its imaginative premise: the children of Disney’s most iconic heroes and villains navigate adolescence in a magical kingdom. Since its inception in 2015, the series has delivered a unique blend of musical numbers, fantasy, and coming-of-age narratives, fostering a loyal global fanbase. The original trilogy, starring Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart, and the late Cameron Boyce, established the foundational mythology and emotional depth that resonated deeply with young viewers. Boyce’s unexpected passing in 2019 left a profound impact on the cast and fans, making the franchise’s continuation a testament to its enduring legacy and the desire to honor its past while forging new paths.
Baker’s entry into this world marked a pivotal moment for the franchise, signaling Disney’s commitment to refreshing the narrative with new faces and storylines. Her character, Chloe Charming, is the daughter of Cinderella and Prince Charming, inheriting a lineage deeply rooted in Disney lore. This introduces a fresh dynamic, allowing new generations to connect with familiar tales through contemporary lenses. The decision to expand the Descendants saga with Wicked Wonderland underscores Disney’s strategy to keep its most beloved properties vibrant and relevant, adapting them for evolving audience tastes while retaining core themes of identity, belonging, and destiny.
Stepping Up: From Newcomer to Leader
Baker recounts her initial experience joining the Descendants cast with a mix of awe and pressure. Having grown up idolizing the original films and their stars, the transition from fan to cast member was surreal. "It’s like entering this world as camp counselors this time instead of these nervous campers that we were the first time around," Baker told The Hollywood Reporter. This sentiment highlights a significant shift in her involvement and confidence. The weight of expectation, she admits, was considerable. "We put so much pressure on ourselves just because we loved the movies so much. They were so integral, not just for my formative years, but my peers as well," she elaborated. This deep personal connection to the source material fueled her dedication, making the filming process both challenging and immensely enjoyable.
Her return for Wicked Wonderland signifies not just a continuation of her role but an elevation in her status within the ensemble. She is no longer merely a new addition but one of the central figures tasked with carrying the torch. This increased responsibility has allowed her to forge deeper connections with her new castmates, many of whom have become close friends. Baker expresses genuine excitement for these friendships to translate onto the screen, anticipating that "the world will fall in love" with the new characters and the camaraderie they bring. This evolution mirrors the franchise’s own journey, continually introducing fresh talent to reinvigorate its narrative and ensure its longevity.
Defining Chloe Charming and Character Growth
One of the unique aspects of Baker’s role as Chloe Charming is the opportunity to define a character whose parents are universally recognized. While audiences are intimately familiar with Cinderella and Prince Charming, Chloe herself is a blank slate, offering Baker considerable creative freedom. This trust placed in her by Disney to embody a new generation of royalty within the Descendants universe is something Baker deeply appreciates. "Yes, these are iconic characters, but Chloe Charming has never been done before, which is a lot of trust to put into a person," she noted, emphasizing the collaborative effort in bringing the character to life. She and her colleagues have "put their hearts and souls into it," crafting a persona that honors its heritage while standing entirely on its own.
The process of portraying Chloe across multiple installments has also fostered a parallel journey of personal growth for Baker. She observes a remarkable synergy between her own life experiences and those of her character. "As things in your life start changing, you can find different levels and depths to whatever character you’re playing," Baker explained. She feels fortunate that Chloe’s developmental arc has often mirrored her own, creating a rich, authentic connection to the role. "I think Chloe and I have been very fortunate to have been at very similar stages in our lives. It feels like we really are learning these lessons at the same time and inspired by one another’s growth." This reciprocal relationship between actor and character adds a layer of depth to Chloe Charming, making her resonate more authentically with an audience that is also navigating its own formative years.
Engaging with the Fanbase and Broader Impact
The profound impact of the Descendants films on their audience is a phenomenon Baker has experienced firsthand. Ahead of Wicked Wonderland‘s release, a promotional tour involving the Descendants and Zombies casts provided Baker with a direct window into the fervor of the fanbase. "It’s so wild to be able to literally watch it unfold in front of you and have people be so excited and joyful around something that’s so close to your heart," she remarked. This direct interaction with fans underscores the emotional investment young audiences have in these stories and characters, reinforcing the cultural significance of the franchise.
Baker attributes the enduring relevance of the Descendants films to their ability to strike a "necessary chord of timeless themes" and effectively represent young people. These narratives often explore universal adolescent struggles—identity, friendship, belonging, and self-discovery—through a fantastical lens, making them accessible and relatable across diverse backgrounds. The actress champions the idea that entertainment doesn’t always need to be overtly serious to convey meaningful messages. She hopes viewers of Wicked Wonderland embrace the joy and lessons it offers. "It can seem like it’s your responsibility to not enjoy something, because it’s not as ‘serious’," she stated, "But I think there’s something really magical in being able to learn a great lesson while having fun." This perspective highlights the value of family entertainment that subtly educates while providing escapism.
Malia Baker’s Aspirations Beyond Auradon
While Chloe Charming currently defines a significant portion of Malia Baker’s professional identity, her artistic ambitions stretch far beyond the borders of Auradon. Topping her acting "bucket list" is the character of Starfire from Teen Titans. Baker expresses a keen admiration for the superheroine, describing her as "the coolest ever… such a baddie in her own right." She even playfully suggests a willingness to "swap out the blue for some pink hair any time any place" to embody the character, showcasing her enthusiasm for roles that combine strength, distinctiveness, and a touch of vibrant fantasy. This aspiration points to a desire for diverse and challenging roles that allow her to explore different facets of her acting range, potentially delving into more action-oriented or comic book adaptations.
Beyond the realm of superheroes, Baker also harbors a dream of starring in a biopic. The idea of portraying a real-life figure appeals to her, offering a different kind of character study and performance challenge. She has even lightheartedly discussed the possibility of playing Brandy, her co-star in Descendants: The Rise of Red, who portrays Cinderella in the franchise. "I keep joking with Brandy about playing her," Baker said, adding, "I told her I’ll start practicing for it." This playful banter underscores a serious artistic ambition to delve into the complexities of real people and their stories, a testament to her growing maturity as an actress. Such a role would demand a transformative performance, requiring extensive research and a deep understanding of the subject’s life and era.
A Dream Realized and the Road Ahead
Even as Malia Baker navigates the demands of a high-profile Disney franchise and articulates her future career goals, she admits that her current reality still feels like a dream. Becoming one of the leading faces of Disney’s new generation with Descendants is an achievement that continues to astound her. "Sassy little me would’ve been shocked, flabbergasted, everything in between. It’s still a dream now," Baker reflected on her younger self’s potential reaction. She often needs "little reminders every now and then" to fully grasp the magnitude of her accomplishments. This humble perspective, however, is not a sign of disbelief but rather an appreciation for the journey. "I don’t think it’ll ever fully sink in, and honestly, I’m happy it won’t," she concluded, suggesting that maintaining a sense of wonder keeps her grounded and passionate about her craft.
As Descendants: Wicked Wonderland prepares for its release, Malia Baker stands at a pivotal point in her career. Her portrayal of Chloe Charming not only continues a beloved Disney saga but also establishes her as a significant talent capable of blending youthful enthusiasm with mature professionalism. With a clear vision for her future and a deep appreciation for her present success, Baker is set to captivate audiences for years to come, whether she’s ruling Auradon, battling supervillains, or bringing a real-life icon to the screen. Her journey exemplifies the evolving landscape of youth entertainment, where new stars emerge to redefine classic narratives and inspire a new generation of dreamers.
