‘After all of these years, it’s still setting it off’: Kenny Ortega celebrates ‘Descendants’ decade milestone with emotional Cameron Boyce tribute

Kenny Ortega, the director and choreographer of Disney’s Descendants, has shared a touching tribute to late actor Cameron Boyce as the movie approaches its 10th anniversary. Ortega took to Instagram on Wednesday, June 18, to post a rehearsal video featuring Boyce alongside co-stars Sofia Carson and Dove Cameron.

According to People, the footage shows the young actors practicing the Rotten to the Core dance number, which became one of the most memorable sequences in the 2015 Disney Channel Original Movie. The video serves as a poignant reminder of Boyce’s talent and presence in the franchise.

“Coming up… Disney’s Descendants 10th Anniversary!!!” Ortega wrote in his Instagram post. “After all of these years, it’s still setting it off,” the 75-year-old director added, expressing gratitude to the cast, crew, creative team, Disney Channel, and fans worldwide. He ended the caption with a heartfelt “LOVE YOU CAM!!!”

The legacy of Cameron Boyce in the Descendants franchise

The 2015 musical film introduced viewers to a unique storyline where the children of Disney’s most famous villains attended school alongside the offspring of beloved fairy-tale heroes. Boyce portrayed Carlos, the son of Cruella de Vil, in all three original Descendants films released between 2015 and 2019.

The story centered around King Ben’s decision to integrate four villain kids into mainstream society, creating an engaging narrative that resonated with audiences worldwide. The franchise successfully blended elements from classic Disney tales with contemporary themes and musical numbers.

Tragically, Boyce passed away in 2019 at the age of 20 due to a fatal seizure related to his epilepsy diagnosis. His family released a statement at the time, describing him as “one of the world’s brightest lights” and requesting privacy during their period of grief.

The Descendants franchise continues to evolve, with a new installment, Descendants: The Rise of Red, which brought fresh characters and storylines to Disney Plus in 2024. Another film, titled Descendants: Wicked Wonderland, is scheduled for release in 2026, carrying forward the legacy of the original trilogy while introducing new characters to the beloved universe that Boyce helped establish.