The cast of “Descendants 3” has a long list of rules they absolutely must follow in order to work on any Disney film or TV show. You won’t believe some of these guidelines the cast must adhere to.
Disney is one of the most successful entertainment companies in the world, but behind the glitz and glam of their shows and movies lies a set of strict rules that cast members must follow. These rules ensure that the Disney brand remains consistent and maintains a positive image for its audience.
If you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes life of the cast from Disney’s Descendants series, you’re in for a treat. The cast members of Descendants have to follow a set of crazy rules that not only help them maintain their characters but also help Disney uphold its values. Here’s a detailed look at 17 of those crazy rules:
1. Disney Chooses the Wardrobe
One of the most surprising rules is that Disney takes full control over what the cast wears. When on set or attending any Disney-related event, the cast members have to wear what Disney decides, ensuring that they align with the brand’s image. The wardrobe is crucial, and Disney wants to ensure that their actors are always portrayed in a manner that fits their character, as well as the larger Disney aesthetic. As a result, we rarely see any Disney stars in inappropriate or out-of-character attire.
2. No Visible Tattoos
While many of the Descendants cast members, such as Dove Cameron (who plays Mal) and Thomas Doherty (who plays Harry Hook), have tattoos, none of them are allowed to have them visible on set. Tattoos are seen as distractions from their roles, and in some cases, they may not fit the image Disney wants to portray. Fortunately, modern makeup and costume design are good enough to cover tattoos during filming, so the cast members can keep their ink under wraps when they’re on set.
3. Everything is About Descendants
When a cast member is working on Descendants, they are prohibited from talking about anything other than their role in the franchise. This is a strict rule that ensures that the cast is fully immersed in their character and doesn’t distract from the brand. They can’t discuss outside interests such as gaming, fashion, or anything else, unless it’s related to Descendants. It’s a way to keep them focused and maintain the integrity of the brand.
4. Always Stay in Character
This rule might sound tough, but it’s part of Disney’s commitment to consistency. Descendants cast members are expected to stay in character even when they’re not filming. Whether they’re at Disney-related events, interviews, or even hanging out backstage, they need to act like their character. This includes how they talk, behave, and interact with others. This rule helps to create an immersive experience for fans and ensures the cast embodies their roles at all times.
5. Jewelry Rules
When it comes to jewelry, Disney has strict guidelines for Descendants cast members. Men can wear only one ring on each hand and no earrings at all. For women, the rule is slightly more lenient, allowing one earring in each ear, but still, no additional bling like ankle bracelets or toe rings are permitted. Simple, classic jewelry is preferred, and cast members must follow these guidelines to maintain the neat, uniform look that Disney wants for their characters.
6. Etiquette Training is a Must
Disney provides its cast members, including those from Descendants, with extensive etiquette training. This training covers everything from proper behavior at social events to how to act on social media. Cast members are taught how to conduct themselves with grace and dignity, representing Disney in the best possible light. This training is not just for princesses but for every Disney actor, including the villains, who must also follow the rules of good conduct.
7. First Name Only
A quirky rule that Descendants cast members must follow is that they are not allowed to use titles like Mr. or Mrs. when addressing each other. Instead, cast members are called by their first names only. This is said to be a tradition that dates back to Walt Disney himself, who preferred being called “Walt” rather than “Mr. Disney.” This first-name-only policy helps create a more friendly and familial atmosphere on set.
8. Distract Interviewers at All Costs
Descendants cast members are trained to answer interviews in such a way that they never reveal too much about the show. If an interviewer asks a question they shouldn’t answer, the cast member is coached to act oblivious or change the subject. In some cases, they may even talk about their pets or other unrelated topics just to avoid revealing spoilers or information Disney doesn’t want shared.
9. Sign the Insurance Policy
Actors working on Descendants and other Disney productions must sign insurance policies that protect both them and the company in the case of accidents. These policies ensure that cast members are covered during production, and in extreme cases, their families are provided for if something were to happen to them on set. While this might seem like standard practice, it highlights Disney’s commitment to taking care of their employees.
10. Dating Within the Cast
While many companies have policies against dating co-workers, Disney encourages relationships among the cast. Director Kenny Ortega even encouraged Cameron Boyce and Thomas Doherty, who played Carlos and Harry Hook, respectively, to pursue a romantic relationship, as he felt they looked good together. While dating is not a requirement, Disney seems to encourage it in some cases, perhaps as a way to promote harmony and positive relationships among cast members.
11. No Social Media Posts About Work
Another interesting rule is that Descendants cast members are not allowed to post about their jobs on social media. They can’t share photos from behind the scenes, post about their characters, or reveal any plot details unless given permission. This rule is meant to keep fans excited and surprised by the content, as it prevents spoilers from leaking before the official release.
12. Keep it Strictly Descendants
As long as the cast members are working on Descendants, they are prohibited from taking on other projects. For instance, if a cast member like Lonnie is busy working on a different show, they may have to miss filming Descendants movies. This ensures that cast members remain focused on the current project and do not get distracted by other work, maintaining the quality of the production.
13. No Pointing
In Descendants, cast members are not allowed to point with one finger, as it is considered rude and offensive in some cultures. Instead, they are encouraged to use their whole hand or two fingers to point when giving directions. This rule is about being culturally sensitive and ensuring that the cast doesn’t unintentionally offend others.
14. Break it, Pay it
If a cast member accidentally breaks or mishandles a prop on set, they are required to pay for its repair or replacement. This rule teaches responsibility and emphasizes the importance of treating props and costumes with care. Given that Disney invests a significant amount in creating high-quality props, it’s understandable why this rule exists.
15. Autograph Rules
When it comes to signing autographs, Descendants cast members must undergo training to create a specific signature that matches their character. They are not allowed to use their personal signature for autographs, as Disney wants them to maintain a uniform and polished look for all their fan interactions.
16. No Costume Off Set
Cast members are not allowed to wear their Descendants costumes off-set. They must leave their costumes on set, as Disney wants to ensure the integrity of the characters is preserved. This rule also helps prevent fans from seeing the characters out of context, keeping the magic of the show intact.
17. No Yawning
This might be the most unusual rule on the list: cast and crew members are not allowed to yawn while filming. If someone is caught yawning, they have to contribute a dollar to a charity, like the Make-A-Wish Foundation. While this may seem like a minor rule, it serves as a reminder to remain professional and focused while working on set.
These rules highlight Disney’s commitment to maintaining a professional, positive, and family-friendly environment for its cast members. While some of the rules might seem a little over the top, they help to create a cohesive and well-managed brand. So, would you still want to work for Disney after learning about these crazy rules? Let us know what you think in the comments!
