Disney to give the villains centre stage in next film Written by Josann McGibbon and Sara Parriott, the film then follows the misbehaving youngsters as they try to decide whether to follow in their evil parents" footsteps or embrace their inner hero. Announcing their plans last week, the Disney Channel said the film would involve the kids questioning "the evil that's always been in their hearts." It will be directed by Emmy winner Kenny Ortega of High School Musical fame. Disney's latest project is thought to reflect a growing popularity in TV and film for compelling antiheros in hit shows like Breaking Bad, Mad Men and Dexter. The wholesome entertainment company made an earlier attempt to move into slightly darker territory last year with Wreck-It Ralph, an animated film about a misunderstood video game villain who becomes the hero, which grossed a healthy $471 million worldwide. Descendants is due to air in early 2015, a year after Disney releases yet another fresh take on a memorable baddie, Maleficent, starring Angelina Jolie as the horn-tipped villainess from 1959"s Sleeping Beauty. The film, opening in May, re-imagines Maleficent's backstory, in the same way the mega-successful Broadway musical Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel, offered a sympathetic take on The Wizard of Oz's Wicked Witch of the West. Jolie said: "In general it's a very good message to say, "Let's look at something from the other side.""