Disney’s Descendants series has creatively explored the lives of the children of classic Disney villains. While some fans thought the franchise should have concluded with the third film, others were excited for Descendants: The Rise of Red.
A major question for many was how the series would handle the absence of Carlos, a key character played by the late Cameron Boyce. Boyce’s unexpected death in 2019 left a significant impact, prompting curiosity about how the franchise would address his character’s absence.
Cameron Boyce was a talented actor and dancer best known for his roles in Disney Channel shows like Jessie, where he played Luke Ross, and the Descendants series, where he portrayed Carlos de Vil. He also appeared in films such as Grown Ups and voiced characters in animated series like Jake and the Never Land Pirates. Tragically, Boyce passed away on July 6, 2019, at just 20 years old due to complications from epilepsy, which deeply affected his fans and the entertainment world.
In Descendants 4, the creators faced the challenge of honoring Carlos while acknowledging Boyce’s passing. Rather than recasting the role, they chose to write Carlos out of the story with respect. The film begins with Uma, the new Principal of Auradon Prep, discussing her plans with the former head, Fairy Godmother. Uma points to a photo of Carlos on the wall and explains that he would have supported her decision to include all Villain Kids (VKs) at the school. His absence is subtly addressed using past tense, indicating that Carlos is no longer part of the story. The cause of his death isn’t mentioned, but it is clear from the film and the animated special Descendants: The Royal Wedding that Carlos had passed away before the events of The Rise of Red.
Cameron Boyce was also known for his philanthropic work, fighting against homelessness, sexual assault, gun violence, and sickle cell disease. After his death, The Cameron Boyce Foundation was established to continue his charitable efforts. His Descendants co-stars, including Dove Cameron, Sofia Carson, and Booboo Stewart, supported the foundation and attended the Cam For A Cause Gala in June 2024 to honor his memory.
Descendants 4 addressed Carlos’s absence thoughtfully, providing a meaningful tribute to both the character and the actor. While fans will miss Carlos, his impact and legacy continue through the film and the ongoing work of his foundation.
