If you’re scrolling through Disney+ wondering what happened to that era of live-action movies that weren’t just remakes of 90s cartoons, you've probably seen a thumbnail for a movie called Secret Society of Second-Born Royals. It looks like a typical princess flick. It isn't. Not really. Honestly, it’s more of an X-Men origin story wrapped in a tiara, and it represents a very specific moment in streaming history where Disney tried to see if they could make "superhero royalty" a thing.
It came out in 2020. Remember that year? We were all stuck inside. This movie was supposed to be a theatrical-adjacent hit, but it landed right when everyone just wanted a bit of escapism. Starring Peyton Elizabeth Lee—who most people know from Andi Mack—it follows Sam, a rebellious princess who finds out she has literal superpowers because of a genetic quirk found only in second-born royals.
What Actually Happens When You Watch Secret Society of Second-Born Royals
The premise is kinda brilliant in its simplicity. The first-borns get the throne. They get the boring meetings, the crowns, and the parliamentary headaches. The second-borns? They get the "gene." It’s this specific biological marker that grants them superhuman abilities. We’re talking super-speed, invisibility, and the ability to control technology with your mind.
It’s a training camp movie at its core. Sam and a handful of other royals from around the globe are sent to what they think is summer school, but it’s actually a high-tech training facility. They’re being groomed to join the Secret Society, a group that’s been protecting the world’s monarchies from the shadows for centuries. It’s basically Kingsman but for the Disney Channel crowd. Skylar Astin shows up as Professor James Morrow, and he brings that same frantic, musical energy he had in Pitch Perfect, which keeps the middle act from dragging too much.
Why the Reviews Were So Mixed
If you look at Rotten Tomatoes, the critics weren't exactly kind. It sits somewhere in the 50% range. Why? Because it’s caught between two worlds. It’s too "Disney Channel" for the hardcore Marvel fans who want gritty stakes, but it’s a bit too weirdly sci-fi for the people who just wanted a movie about gowns and balls.
Some people hated the CGI. Let’s be real, the budget wasn't Avengers level. But if you grew up on Sky High or The Cheetah Girls, there’s a nostalgia to the production value that actually works. It doesn't take itself too seriously. The movie knows it’s a bit ridiculous. There’s a scene involving a prison break that feels like it belongs in a Saturday morning cartoon, and honestly, that’s part of the charm.
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The Mythology You Might Have Missed
The lore is surprisingly deep if you pay attention. The movie establishes that this society has existed for generations. It’s a global network.
- There’s a specific "monarch" gene.
- The powers only manifest during puberty.
- The society is funded by the various royal houses.
The villain, Inmate 34 (played by Greg Bryk), provides a darker foil to the "chosen one" narrative. He represents what happens when a second-born goes rogue. It’s a classic "power corrupts" story, but it hits different when the power is tied to your birthright. It asks a decent question: why should some people be born better than others? It doesn't answer it deeply—it is a Disney movie, after all—but the question is there.
Is It Still Worth a Watch in 2026?
Looking back at it now, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals feels like a time capsule. It was one of the first big Disney+ Original movies that wasn't a documentary or a Star Wars spin-off. It’s breezy. It’s 99 minutes.
You should watch it if you like:
- Teen ensembles where everyone has a "thing."
- High-concept sci-fi that's easy to follow.
- Exploring the "what if" of modern royalty.
Don't watch it if you're looking for The Crown. You will be very disappointed. There is almost zero actual "royalty" stuff happening. It’s 90% training montages and 10% Sam complaining about her older sister’s coronation.
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The Cast and Where They Are Now
Peyton Elizabeth Lee has stayed busy, notably leading the Doogie Kameāloha, M.D. reboot. She has this grounded, slightly cynical energy that makes the princess role feel less like a fairy tale and more like a job she hates. Niles Fitch, who plays Prince Tuma, was already a household name for some because of This Is Us. Seeing him play a charismatic, slightly arrogant royal with the power of persuasion was a fun departure from his more dramatic work.
The chemistry between the kids is actually the best part. When they’re hanging out in the common room trying to figure out how to use their powers, it feels genuine. It captures that "new kid at school" vibe perfectly.
Technical Realities and The Soundtrack
The music is very much of its era—lots of upbeat, "we can do this" pop. It’s polished. The direction by Anna Mastro keeps the pace moving. She’s done a lot of TV work (Gossip Girl, Marvel’s Runaways), and you can see that influence here. The framing is tight, the colors are bright, and it’s clearly designed to look good on a tablet or a phone.
What’s interesting is how the movie handles the "super" aspect. It’s not just about hitting things. One character, January, has the ability to "borrow" other people’s powers. That creates a lot of trust issues within the group. It adds a layer of psychological tension that you don't usually see in movies aimed at this age group.
Final Verdict on the "Secret Society" Experience
Look, it’s a fun Saturday afternoon movie. It’s not going to change your life. It won't win an Oscar. But as a piece of "what if" storytelling, it’s solid. It takes the tired "disillusioned princess" trope and gives her a laser beam or super-hearing.
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The ending definitely leaves the door open for a sequel that never happened. There were rumors for a while, but Disney seems to have moved on to other projects. That’s a bit of a shame because the world-building was actually getting interesting by the final act. We never got to see what a "mission" would look like for this team outside of their training.
Next Steps for Viewers
If you've already seen the movie and want something with a similar vibe, your best bet is to jump into Sky High for that school-for-heroes feel or Descendants if you want more of the "royal kids" aesthetic. For those who haven't watched it yet, go in expecting a superhero movie first and a royal movie second. Turn off the "logic" part of your brain regarding how international secret societies would actually function and just enjoy the ride. It’s best viewed as a lighthearted exploration of finding your own identity when you’re literally born in someone else’s shadow.
Check the "Extras" tab on Disney+ after watching; there are a few deleted scenes that actually flesh out the relationships between the royals a bit better than the final cut did.