If you’ve spent any time in the neon-soaked, musical world of Auradon, you know Prince—later King—Ben. He’s the moral compass of the entire franchise. He’s the guy who decided, against every advisor’s wishes, that the kids of villains deserved a shot at a normal life. But who plays Ben in Descendants? That would be Mitchell Hope, an Australian actor who, quite honestly, almost didn't get the part because of a rocky audition and a serious case of nerves.
It’s easy to look at the finished films and see a polished Disney star. However, the story of how Mitchell Hope became Ben is a lot more chaotic than the "happily ever after" would lead you to believe. He wasn't a seasoned Disney Channel veteran like Dove Cameron or Sofia Carson. He was a kid from Melbourne who sent in a self-tape that caught the eye of legendary director Kenny Ortega.
The Audition That Changed Everything for Mitchell Hope
Director Kenny Ortega, the mastermind behind High School Musical and Hocus Pocus, is known for having an incredible eye for talent. When he was casting for the first Descendants movie, he wasn't just looking for a "pretty face." He needed someone who could project the regal authority of Belle and the Beast’s son while still feeling like a vulnerable teenager.
Mitchell Hope’s journey started with a simple video. Ortega saw something in his eyes—a kind of "natural boyishness" and "innate goodness," as he later described in various press tours. But here’s the thing: Mitchell had to fly all the way from Australia to Los Angeles for a chemistry read with Dove Cameron.
He was terrified.
Imagine being a relatively unknown actor and suddenly you’re in a room with the director of Michael Jackson's This Is It. Mitchell has been open in interviews about how he felt out of place. He wasn't sure if he could keep up with the high-energy dance numbers or the intense "Disney style" of acting. Yet, it was that exact awkwardness that made him perfect for Ben. Ben isn't supposed to be a cool, untouchable king; he’s a kid trying to do the right thing while his parents look over his shoulder.
Living the Character: Mitchell Hope as King Ben
When people ask who plays Ben in Descendants, they often forget that it isn't just one movie. Mitchell Hope played the character across a trilogy: Descendants (2015), Descendants 2 (2017), and Descendants 3 (2019). Over those four years, we watched Mitchell grow up alongside Ben.
In the first film, Ben is a visionary but a bit naive. Mitchell played him with this wide-eyed optimism that felt genuine. By the second film, things got darker. Ben had to deal with the pressure of being King, the "Mal-formity" of his girlfriend Mal struggling with royal life, and a literal trip to the Isle of the Lost. Mitchell had to trade his suits for leather and try to act "rotten to the core," which provided some of the most hilarious and charming moments in the sequel.
The Singing and Dancing Struggle
Let’s be real for a second. Mitchell Hope is not a Broadway-trained dancer.
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While Dove Cameron and Sofia Carson seemed to pop out of the womb doing jazz hands, Mitchell had to work incredibly hard to match their level. If you watch the behind-the-scenes footage of the "Did I Mention" number from the first film, you can see the sweat. That was a massive turning point. It was Mitchell’s big solo—a high-energy, football-field dance break.
He pulled it off.
It became one of the most iconic scenes in the franchise. It’s also the moment where audiences really fell for him. There’s a specific kind of charisma required to pull off a love potion-induced musical number without looking ridiculous, and Mitchell nailed it. He brought a sincerity to "Chillin' Like a Villain" and "Night Falls" in the later movies, proving he could hold his own with the "V-K" (Villain Kid) powerhouses.
The Chemistry with Dove Cameron
You can't talk about who plays Ben in Descendants without talking about Mal. The "Beal" (Ben and Mal) ship is the heart of the series.
Off-screen, Mitchell and Dove Cameron developed an incredibly tight friendship. This led to years of dating rumors from fans. To be clear: they never actually dated. Mitchell was in a long-term relationship with Australian actress Tayla Audrey for much of the filming period. However, the fact that fans were so convinced they were a real-life couple is a testament to Mitchell’s acting.
He looked at Mal like she was the only person in the room. That kind of romantic chemistry is hard to fake. In the third movie, when Ben finally proposes to Mal, it felt earned. It didn't feel like a scripted Disney moment; it felt like two people who had been through literal hell (and several musical numbers) together.
Life After the Isle: Where is Mitchell Hope Now?
After Descendants 3 wrapped and the tragic passing of co-star Cameron Boyce, the original cast mostly moved on to different types of projects. Mitchell didn't jump straight into another massive franchise. He took a bit of a breather.
He starred in the Netflix holiday rom-com Let It Snow (2019), playing Tobin. It was a very different vibe—more grounded, more "indie," and definitely less regal. He also appeared in the film Don't Make Me Go (2022).
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Mitchell seems to prefer a quieter life than some of his co-stars. He isn't constantly in the tabloids. He’s not chasing every single TikTok trend. He’s an actor who seems to value his privacy, often disappearing from social media for months at a time before popping back up to share a photo of his dog or a glimpse of his life in Australia.
Will He Return for Descendants: The Rise of Red?
This is the big question. With the release of Descendants: The Rise of Red in 2024, the franchise shifted focus to new characters—Red (daughter of the Queen of Hearts) and Chloe (daughter of Cinderella).
The movie mentions that Ben and Mal are off on a "Royal Tour" or exploring other kingdoms. Mitchell Hope does not appear in the film. While it was a bit of a bummer for long-time fans, it made sense. Ben’s story reached a natural conclusion at the end of the third movie. He united the kingdoms, broke down the barrier, and found his queen.
However, Disney loves a cameo. While there are no official plans for Mitchell to return as King Ben right now, the "multiverse" and "time travel" themes introduced in The Rise of Red mean the door is never truly closed.
Why Mitchell Hope’s Ben Stood Out
The "Prince Charming" trope is usually boring. Honestly, it’s the hardest role to play because there’s no "edge" to it. Most actors would make Ben a cardboard cutout.
Mitchell didn't.
He gave Ben a sense of humor. He gave him anxiety. He made him feel like a guy who was trying his best but was also kind of a dork. That’s why, when people search for who plays Ben in Descendants, they aren't just looking for a name—they’re looking for the guy who made them believe that a King could actually be a decent human being.
He brought a "human-ness" to the role. Whether he was barking like a dog in the first film (remember the "Beast" transformation vibes?) or trying to navigate the complex politics of a magical kingdom, he was always relatable.
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The Legacy of the Character
Ben is arguably the most important character in the Descendants lore because without his "Proclamation," there is no story. Mitchell Hope carried that responsibility well. He became a role model for a younger generation, showing that leadership is about empathy, not just power.
He also handled the transition of the franchise with grace. When the series shifted focus after the loss of Cameron Boyce, Mitchell was supportive of the new cast while maintaining the legacy of the original "Core Four" and their surrounding friends.
Identifying the Real Mitchell Hope: Quick Facts
If you’re doing a deep dive into the cast, here are the bits of trivia that most people miss:
- Nationality: He is 100% Australian. He had to work extensively with a dialect coach to hide his accent for the role of Ben. If you listen closely to some behind-the-scenes interviews, the Aussie "mate" comes out pretty quick.
- Height: He’s about 5'9" (175 cm), which made him the perfect height to stand alongside Dove Cameron (who is 5'2") without it looking awkward on screen.
- Hobbies: He’s a big fan of the outdoors. If you track his rare social media posts, he’s usually hiking or at the beach.
- The "Ben" Hair: Mitchell’s hair became a bit of a trademark. In the first movie, it was very "clean-cut prince." By the third, it was shaggy and more "kingly." He’s joked about how much hairspray was required to keep it in place during dance numbers.
Summary of the Ben Legacy
Mitchell Hope didn't just play a prince; he defined a specific era of Disney Channel movies. He was the anchor. While the villains got the flashy outfits and the "evil" songs, Mitchell’s Ben provided the heart.
If you're looking to follow his journey further, the best way is to keep an eye on his filmography on IMDb or catch his occasional updates on Instagram. He remains a beloved figure in the Disney fandom, and his portrayal of Ben continues to find new fans as younger kids discover the movies on Disney+.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Rewatch the "Did I Mention" sequence: Look for the specific moments where Mitchell’s "clumsy" charm shines through—it was largely improvised.
- Check out "Let It Snow" on Netflix: If you want to see Mitchell play a character that is the polar opposite of a King, this is the best place to start.
- Listen to the Soundtracks: Mitchell’s vocals are featured on tracks like "Be Our Guest" and "You and Me." You can hear his growth as a singer from the first movie to the third.
The "Ben" era might be over for now, but Mitchell Hope’s impact on the Descendants universe is permanent. He wasn't just a placeholder prince; he was the reason the story worked in the first place.