Keegan Connor Tracy – Descendants 3

By starrymag | August 2, 2019

By: Maddie Ruby

 

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I have a movie that is just coming out called Z, a psychological thriller in which my character undergoes a radical and frightening arch. It’s creepy and atmospheric and was a wonderful challenge for me as an actor. I’m filming Season 5 of “The Magicians” right now and in the middle of my official director shadow – which has been really illuminating for me! Also, I’m in talks for my second film as a director – excited to add this to my resume!

 

Q) What is your favorite thing about playing Queen Belle in the Descendants film series?

A) There are many things I loved about being Belle in Descendants – not least of which is to play one of the legendary Disney characters, let alone one whose name is eponymous for beautiful! But I also loved watching those talented young dancers and singers shining as they do and it was really nice to connect with young fans as my children are the age of interest for that project. Being able to have them around on set all these years of their childhood is a really cool legacy for them. TONS of Mom Cred.

 

Q) Without saying too much, what can we expect from the third installment of Descendants?

A) Amazing dance numbers helmed by the legendary Kenny Ortega and renowned choreographer Jamal Terry-Sims. And maybe two little BG dancers who look a lot like me…

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about your portrayal of Belle?

A) Other than the most uncomfortable dress I have ever worn…? Well, certainly at this point in time I am well and truly comfortable in the skin of the lovely Queen Belle. From the beginning though I sought to portray her with grace and dignity and had to ask myself how best to do that in the context of a film for such a young audience. I watched a lot of video of her Majesty the Queen to just see her mannerisms and tried my best to incorporate some into Belle’s carriage, too.

 

Q) Talk about working with director Kenny Ortega.

A) Kenny Ortega just got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for a reason – he is legendary. I’m amazed at how calmly he was able to steer this behemoth of a ship and get through it all with a smile on his face. Productions of this magnitude can be very stressful with very long days and an often grueling schedule and Kenny always tried to lead with love. Not to mention the fact that he choreographed some of the seminal films of my youth – Dirty Dancing, Ferris Bueller’s Day Off – it was amazing to watch him wing off the dance number that Patrick Swayze made famous in the movie!

 

Q) Going into this film, were you hoping to have a scene with anyone in particular?

A) Going into the film I had no idea the scope and magnitude of the production so I had no expectations. But I will say once I saw Kristin Chenoweth in action, I was loving being in the room with such a formidable talent.

 

Q) What was one of your favorite moments during filming?

A) One of my favorite moments during filming was a quiet moment in the green room, like most of my favorite memories from sets. I was noodling around on a guitar, struggling with the F-chord for “Say Something” when Cameron flopped onto the couch beside me. He took the guitar and my phone with the chords and just casually laid out this gorgeous rendition of the song, with Brenna [D’Amico] adding a haunting and beautiful harmony. Once again, I was in awe of the talent around me, especially Cameron [Boyce]. He made movement and song and joy seem effortless. Dan Payne posted some video of it after Cameron passed. It’s so lovely.

 

Q) We deeply miss Cameron Boyce. How will the movie honor his loss?

A) Certainly the Cameron Boyce Foundation, which was started in his honor, will serve as a beacon of the life and work that Cameron left us. And every joyful and dazzling smile, every effortless and amazing dance move in the movie will live on.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the Descendants movies that make them so special?

A) It’s the wonder of childhood, the glory of making old tales new and the ability of song and dance to draw us all together and create a sense of unity and family. The songs that will become the memories of a whole new generation!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the fans have to say about this latest film?

A) It’s always enlightening to see what the fans have to say and these “Descenders” are a special crowd as they are so young – there is a beautiful innocence to these films that I love.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of the work you do?

A) Thank you for watching. Thank you for letting me into your hearts and screens. Here’s to many more years!