Disney Shares Behind-the-Scenes Video and Original Song from New Villains Show

30 days ago in "Disney Villains Unfairly Ever After"

Gallery / 6 Photos
Villains Show concept art

Posted: Thursday April 17, 2025 9:30am ET by WDWMAGIC Staff

Disney has shared a new behind-the-scenes video offering us a closer look at the creative process behind Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After, the upcoming stage show debuting May 27, 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. The video also includes a first listen to one of the show’s original songs, giving guests a preview of the musical style and tone of the production.

The music, described as a mix of theatrical drama and villainous fun, sets the mood for a show designed to bring depth and entertainment to some of Disney’s most iconic characters.

“Being in this studio and hearing live musicians bring to life every moment, every wind chime—it’s pure music magic for Disney Villains: Unfairly Ever After,” said Tom Vazzana, Executive Creative Director.

“Basically, the show is built around three classic villains. We’ve got Cruella de Vil, we’ve got Hook, and we’ve got Maleficent,” explained Tim Heintz, Music Arranger.

Villains Show concept art

“We wanted to tell a story that’s a little bit different than it was told before,” added Mark Renfrow, Show Director. “Which one of them has been treated the most unfairly ever after?”

The show will take place inside Sunset Showcase and feature a mix of live music, dramatic lighting, immersive stage effects, and an audience-driven finale. Among the surprises teased in the video: the Magic Mirror will not only serve as narrator, but will also perform an original song.

“This show is groundbreaking in that the Magic Mirror does more than just talk,” said Doug Morris, Music Producer. “He’s actually going to have a song of his very own.”

“It’s a little bit rock and roll, a little bit of orchestra, classic Gothic score,” said Roger Butterley, Composer. “It is just fun from start to finish.”

Villains Show concept art

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monothingie1 day ago

Andrew C1 day ago

monothingie1 day ago

Nothing says Villain like a hot pink color motif. Unless it's an 80's villain with puffy hair?

wdwmagic1 day ago

Bold New Villains Look Coming to Sunset Showcase at Disney's Hollywood Studios https://www.wdwmagic.com/attractions/magic-mirror-villains-show/news/16may2025-bold-new-villains-look-coming-to-sunset-showcase-at-disneys-hollywood-studios.htm

DCBaker2 days ago

Here's a look at new color added to the Sunset Showcase building - via Laughing Place:

rd8055 days ago

Was thinking that! They could have really stopped running relatively early and I wouldn't have been surprised -- this is cool.

ToTBellHop7 days ago

It’s not a huge space. I presume they committed to this many shows to ensure adequate daily capacity until they see how much demand this show receives.

ᗩLᘿᑕ ֊ᗩζᗩᗰ7 days ago

Hmm, I think they'd be better off with shows on the hour, with a runtime in the 30-35 min range to ease the turnaround time. Pad-out the current runtime with lesser Villains heckling the audience or acting out skits while glancing often at a big clock counting down to the main "gathering" of villains in keeping the concept in-theme. Have the Mirror tell jokes submitted by the audience via their own magic mirrors aka phones using the Play Disney Parks mobile app. Or just show a refresher 10 min video montage. From an operations standpoint the added runtime and downtime would allow them to up-charge with concessions. (to test the waters for use in the MK land) and better prep for the next showing.

Tori7 days ago

Gonna be a tight turnaround that’s for sure. Nice to see a couple showtimes after 5pm.

Agent H7 days ago

Personally I think it’s all about how people want to spend their time. In a park with 9 rides meet and greets and other shows of course no one is going to want to watch a forty minute show. It makes for an interesting comparison to Disney cruise line where people have a lot more time and generally less things to do on the ship (unless you really like restaurants and bars which if that’s the case you won’t be hearing any shaming from me)

TheMaxRebo7 days ago

Long shows are good in theory but they can muck up the plans for days as you really have to allot a good chunk of time for them (getting there early, filling the theater, emptying the theater, etc) and make sure you make one of the shows as there aren't many and if you just miss one it throws everything off. Even like Indy can have that impact Personally I would rather have an 18 min show that runs every 30 mins and they get 15 shows a day in than be 40 mins and only get in 5 shows or so (like Indy is)

eddie1047 days ago

I personally think a 40 min show might be a tad bit overkill in this day and age. Depending on the content and if it holds my interest a longer show is fine. 20-25 minutes is the sweet spot in my opinion.

Figments Friend7 days ago

Guests in general have shorter attention spans then ever before it seems. The decision to have the show be shorter then originally pitched makes sense from that perspective. It also helps insure they will be able to provide multiple showings per day. Looking forward to seeing this once it opens. -

Comped8 days ago

I remain unconvinced the 40 min show ever existed except as a concept (certainly have never had its existance confirmed by anyone I've talked to). DLE hasn't made show that long for Orlando since Frozen (Nemo since it was cut doesn't count), with original Nemo being the last one before that anytime close. (And even Nemo was cut down from a full length show after previews.) Disappointing to say the least.