Kristin Chenoweth Scores Maleficent Role In Disney’s ‘Descendants’

Kristin Chenoweth has scored another coveted role in Hollywood. Chenoweth, who’s known for being a very versatile actress, taking various roles in everything from television to film, and Broadway, is making her return to television in a rather iconic role.

Variety reports that Kristin Chenoweth just scored the part of Maleficent. Before you get confused with the live action film that’s coming out in a few weeks with Angelina Jolie, this one is obviously different from that Disney version. However, that doesn’t mean Disney isn’t going to try and cash in on the villain again.

According to the initial report, Kristin Chenoweth is slated to play Maleficent in a Disney channel television film called Descendants, and according to the source the tv movie, “revolves around the offspring of famous Mouse House villains.”

Although Chenoweth is expected to be the best part of the television film, Kristin with co-star with Disney star Dove Cameron, who will play Maleficent’s daughter Mal. It’s a smart move for Disney if they want to ride on the tails of the Angelina Jolie version, while furthering a Disney star’s career by pairing her up with Chenoweth, who is more than capable in turning a project into a hit.

According to Deadline the plot is as follows:

“The tale is set in a present-day idyllic kingdom where the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney’s Beauty And The Beast) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Maleficent, Cruella De Vil, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters.”

The new Maleficent picture is in more than capable hands behind the scenes as well. Dirty Dancing’s Kenny Ortega is directing the telepic while Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott are writing the script. Production is expected to start later in the month and the premiere of the new Maleficent film is scheduled for a 2015 premiere.

As for the Angelina Jolie version, that film will be coming out on May 30 and is already expected to be a huge hit, as well as a huge return for Jolie.

Kristin Chenoweth is known for being the original Glinda in Broadway’s Wicked. Other Broadway credits include her Tony Award winning performance as Sally Brown in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. Recently she appeared in Promises, Promises with Sean Hayes. Her television credits include The West Wing, Pushing Daisies, GCB, and a recurring guest star on the show Glee as April Rhodes.

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