Disney Channel Original Movies 'Descendants' has signed Australian actor Mitchell Hope to star as Ben the teenage son of Belle and the Beast, according to Hollywood Reporter.

"We were intrigued by Mitchell's natural acting style, boyish charm and winning personality," said Judy Taylor, Disney Channel's senior vice president of casting and talent, "and when we brought him to Los Angeles to read opposite Dove [Cameron], it was apparent that he embodied the inherent good nature of 'Ben' and the sense of fairness that the character represents."

Disney Original Movies 'Descendants' On The Works! A Film About The Offspring Of The Most Hated And Loved Villains Of All Times

Hope will be joining previously cast member Dove Cameron, who will be playing Mal, the daughter of Maleficent, the evil witch from the Disney Movie Sleeping Beauty.

DESCENDANTS "is set in a present day idyllic kingdom, where the benevolent teenaged son of the King and Queen (Beast and Belle from Disney's Beauty and the Beast) is poised to take the throne. His first proclamation: offer a chance at redemption to the trouble-making offspring of Cruella De Vil, Maleficent, the Evil Queen and Jafar who have been imprisoned on a Forbidden island with all the other villains, sidekicks, evil step-mothers and step-sisters. These villainous descendants (Carlos, Mal, Evvie and Jay, respectively) are allowed into the kingdom to attend prep school alongside the offspring of iconic Disney heroes including Fairy Godmother, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Mulan. However, the evil teens face a dilemma. Should they follow in their nefarious parents' footsteps and help all the villains regain power or embrace their innate goodness and save the kingdom?"

Production will start on 2014 spring, which will be directed by High School Musical's Kenny Ortega. The script writing duties was given to Josanna McGibbon and Sara Parriott.

Hope made his appearance in two short films - Yes Mum and Down the Way. He also made an appearance on an episode in the TV mini-series Never Tear Us Apart: The Untold Story of INXS. This will be the first US project by Australian actor Mitchell Hope.

For more of the hottest and latest news on Disney Original Movies keep tuning in here at Kpopstarz.com