TL;DR: Joshua Colley’s performance as Young Hook is the undisputed highlight of Descendants: The Rise of Red. If your kid is obsessed with "Perfect Revenge" or the pirate-core aesthetic, they’re in good company. It’s a high-energy, musical time-travel romp that’s safe for ages 7+, though it leans heavily into themes of rebellion and "villain origins."
Check out our full breakdown of the Descendants franchise
Ask our chatbot if Rise of Red is too scary for your 6-year-old
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or YouTube lately, you’ve likely seen a kid in a red leather pirate coat with a very impressive head of hair. That’s Joshua Colley. In Descendants: The Rise of Red, the story travels back in time to the "Merlin Academy" days, where we meet the teenage versions of classic Disney villains.
Joshua Colley plays the young James Hook (before he lost the hand and became the Peter Pan antagonist we know). Colley isn’t just some random Disney casting; he’s a seasoned Broadway veteran who’s been in Les Misérables and Newsies.
The reason he’s blowing up is simple: the kid has massive theater-kid energy and a vocal range that makes the previous movies’ soundtracks feel a bit like karaoke. His big number, "Perfect Revenge," has become a viral anthem for the "villain-era" obsessed Gen Alpha.
It’s not just the catchy songs. There’s a specific vibe here that’s hitting a sweet spot for kids aged 8-14:
- The Villain Origin Story: Kids are currently obsessed with the idea that "villains aren't born, they're made." Seeing Young Hook as a rebellious, slightly misunderstood teen is way more interesting to them than a straightforward hero.
- The Aesthetic: It’s "Pirate-Core" meets "Hot Topic." The costumes are elaborate, the hair is dyed, and it feels like a step up in production value from the original Descendants trilogy.
- Joshua Colley’s Charisma: Let’s be real—the movie is campy. It’s a Disney Channel Original Movie, after all. But Colley plays the role with a level of commitment that makes it genuinely fun to watch, even for parents who are stuck on the couch with them.
Learn more about why kids are obsessed with villain origin stories
We talk a lot about "brain rot" content—those mindless, repetitive YouTube loops that seem to turn kids' brains into mush. Descendants: The Rise of Red is not that.
While it’s definitely "popcorn media," it’s a high-production musical with complex choreography and actual character arcs. It encourages kids to engage with music, theater, and storytelling. If your kid starts looking up Joshua Colley’s Broadway performances or starts practicing the "Perfect Revenge" dance, that’s a win for creativity and physical movement.
If your kid is a fan, you might want to point them toward his actual talent. He’s a "pro’s pro." Showing them his live performances in Newsies or his viral "Alan Menken Medley" can be a great way to pivot their interest from "Disney star" to "theatrical craft."
Recommended Ages: 7+
- Violence: It’s "Disney violence." There are some sword fights and magic zaps, but no blood or true peril. The most "intense" part is the emotional stakes of the Queen of Hearts (played by Rita Ora) being a pretty terrifying mom.
- Language: Squeaky clean. You might get a "shut up" or some mild teen sass, but nothing that will require a "talk."
- Themes: The movie deals with time travel paradoxes (which might be confusing for younger kids) and the idea of changing the past. It also touches on the pressure of living up to a parent's reputation—a big theme in the Descendants world.
There are a few things to keep an eye on if your household is currently in its Rise of Red era:
The "Rebellion" Factor
Young Hook is a "bad boy" archetype. He’s arrogant, he’s vengeful, and he’s looking for—you guessed it—perfect revenge. For most kids, this is just fun roleplay. But if you have a child who tends to mimic the "attitude" they see on screen, you might see a bit more pirate-style sass than usual.
The Merch Trap
Disney is, if nothing else, a marketing machine. Between the Young Hook dolls, the Red costumes, and the soundtrack on repeat, this can become an expensive obsession. Read our guide on managing "I want it" requests for movie merch
Screen Time Context
According to Screenwise community data, about 42% of kids in grades 3-6 have watched The Rise of Red at least twice. It’s a "rewatchable" movie. If you find your kid has it on a loop, it might be time to introduce them to some high-quality alternatives that share the same DNA.
If they loved Joshua Colley as Young Hook, they’ll probably like:
- The ultimate villain origin story. With the recent movie adaptation, this is the perfect next step for a kid who likes the "misunderstood villain" trope.
- If they’re into the theater-kid vibe and talented young actors, this is the gold standard on Disney+.
- Since Joshua Colley is a Broadway kid, introducing them to the filmed version of Hamilton is a great way to bridge the gap between "Disney pop" and "musical theater history."
- A Netflix alternative that explores very similar themes of "Who is actually good?" and "Who is actually evil?" in a fantasy school setting.
- For a very different, more grounded take on Captain Hook (played by Jude Law), this is a good "compare and contrast" watch.
Use the movie as a jumping-off point for some actual conversation. You don't have to be "uncool" about it—just ask:
- "Do you think Young Hook was always going to be a villain, or did something happen to him?"
- "If you could go back in time to your parents' high school, what do you think you'd find out about us?" (Warning: this might backfire if you were actually a rebel).
- "Joshua Colley started on Broadway when he was younger than you. Do you think it’s harder to be a live stage actor or a movie star?"
Joshua Colley’s Young Hook is a rare win for the Descendants franchise—a character with actual theatrical chops and a performance that elevates the material. The movie is safe, fun, and a great entry point into musical theater for kids who might think "Broadway" is boring.
It’s not "prestige TV," and it’s definitely trying to sell you a plastic hook and a wig, but in the world of kids' media, you could do a lot worse. It’s a solid "B+" for family-friendly entertainment.
Next Steps:
- Listen to the soundtrack on Spotify to see if you can handle it on a car ride.
- Check Joshua Colley’s Instagram/TikTok (with supervision) if your kid wants to see his singing clips—he’s genuinely talented.
- Set boundaries on the merch before the "I need the red leather jacket" conversation starts.
Ask our chatbot for a curated playlist of songs like "Perfect Revenge"