Maleficent is crashing Sofia’s holiday. Disney Jr. released a new clip of the villain from Sofia the First: Royal Magic’s holiday special, “Holiday at Charmswell,” which premieres Thursday, November 26, on Disney Jr. and Disney+. Creator Craig Gerber calls it the show’s first time bringing a classic Disney villain into Sofia’s world.
Sofia And Aurora Versus Maleficent
In the special, Maleficent arrives at Charmswell in the middle of Wassailia, the kingdom’s big holiday celebration. Sofia, voiced by Ariel Winter, teams up with Aurora to face her down. Maleficent first went after Aurora in Disney’s 1959 animated Sleeping Beauty, and the special puts the two back in the same room, this time with Sofia on Aurora’s side.
The story also ties Maleficent to Miss Nettle, the former villain who now runs Sofia’s school. And it digs into the oldest grudge in Disney history: Maleficent’s anger over not being invited to Aurora’s christening.
“After years of bringing classic Disney princesses into Sofia’s world, it was exciting to finally incorporate a classic Disney villain,” Gerber, who is also executive producer, said. “Weaving Maleficent into the story of Miss Nettle, a former villain who now runs Sofia’s school, not only made for an entertaining holiday episode but also enabled us to address what seems to be Maleficent’s core reason for her evil ways, not being invited to a party.”
Who Else Is In It
Familiar faces and new ones fill out the episode. Sofia’s pet puppy-unicorn, Pepper, is along for the holiday, and so are her school friends Layla, Zane and Camila. Nate Torrence, Mela Pietropaolo, Kai Harris and Aaliyah Magcasi voice the group.
Royal Magic brought Sofia back to Disney Jr. in May. Disney Jr. has already said the series will keep bringing back fan-favorite characters next year, and a Disney villain is about as big a guest as the show could book.
A Hit With Preschoolers
Royal Magic has done well for Disney Jr. Since it debuted in May, the series has climbed into the top 10 in viewership among girls ages 2 to 5, and overall watch time for the Sofia the First franchise is up 77 percent, according to Nielsen.
“Holiday at Charmswell” premieres Thursday, November 26, which is Thanksgiving Day, on Disney Jr. and Disney+. For families looking for something to put on after the turkey, it is a holiday special with a villain kids already know from Sleeping Beauty.
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