What happened to Carlos in Descendants: The Rise of Red? Everything to know

Cameron Boyce's death may have left a void in the Descendants universe, but his legacy as Carlos de Vil continues in Descendants: The Rise of Red. Released on Disney+ on Friday, July 12, this latest film is the fourth installment in the franchise and the first live-action entry since the beloved Disney actor's sudden passing in 2019.

Boyce played the character of Cruella de Vil's son, Carlos, in the first three Descendants live-action films, where he was one of the four main Villain Kids (VKs). Although his fellow VKs are briefly mentioned in Descendants: The Rise of Red, they do not appear in the movie.

Meanwhile, Carlos is given a special tribute during a conversation between the former head of Auredon Prep, Fairy Godmother (played by Melanie Paxson), and Ursula's daughter Uma (played by China Anne McClain), the new principal, right at the beginning of the movie.

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Descendants: The Rise of Red confirms that Carlos has passed away

Addressing the death of Cameron Boyce, who played Carlos in the first three Descendants films, was a key element in Descendants: The Rise of Red.

At the beginning of the film, it is established that Carlos had passed away before the events of the fourth installment, though the cause is never explicitly mentioned. His legacy is honored during a conversation between Uma, Auradon Prep's newest Principal, and Fairy Godmother, the former head of the school.

As the new head, Uma wants to open Auradon Prep to more Villain Kids, including those who live in Wonderland, like the Queen of Heart's daughter, Red. Not sure that it's a good idea, Fairy Godmother opposed it, recalling the chaos that ensued when the first VKs were accepted at Auradon Prep.

In response, Uma, while looking at a photo of Carlos in the Principal's office, said to Fairy Godmother:

"It's what Carlos would have wanted."

Teary-eyed, she continued, saying:

"So, don't do it for me. Do it in honor of him."

This is a tribute to Cameron Boyce's character as Carlos seals the deal for Fairy Godmother, and the rest of the storyline continues, with Red and Chloe, Cinderella's daughter, trying to undo the traumatic past that set the Queen of Heart's villainous path.

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What happened to the other Villain Kids in Descendants: The Rise of Red?

Carlos is not the only OG Villain Kids missing in Descendants: The Rise of Red. The other three VKs, Maleficent's daughter Mal (played by Dove Cameron), the Evil Queen's daughter Evie (played by Sofia Carson), and Jafar's son Jay (played by Booboo Stewart), also do not appear in the latest film.

However, their absence, including that of Beauty and Beast's son, Prince Ben (played by Mitchell Hope), is addressed by Principal Uma in the latest feature film.

According to her, the royal couple, Mal and Ben, who appear in pictures in the movie, are sailing off to broker peace with other kingdoms. Evie and Jay are also joining them to help establish alliances outside of Auradon.

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Viewers can stream Descendants: The Rise of Red and Descendants 1, 2, and 3 on Disney+.