Disney Legend Andreas Deja Joins Villains Land Project
Disney fans have a fresh update on the highly anticipated Villains Land coming to Magic Kingdom—and it's got the legendary animator Andreas Deja on board.
Andreas Deja Lends His Talented Hand
At the recent Destination D23 event, Disney confirmed that Disney Legend Andreas Deja has been tapped as a consultant for the Walt Disney World project. Deja’s iconic career—spanning Disney classics like The Black Cauldron, The Lion King, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, Lilo & Stitch, and The Princess and the Frog—includes creating iconic villains like Scar, Jafar, and Gaston.
He was also the character designer for the critically acclaimed film Klaus.
Reflecting on his involvement, Deja said he felt comfortable returning to “familiar turf” and expressed excitement for an opportunity to “amplify the way we see them”. He called the project “an idea whose time has come,” offering reassurance that Villains Land’s characters will be handled with authenticity and depth.
Behind-the-Scenes Design: Conjured Architecture Revealed
During the “Disney Villains: Icons of Evil” panel, Imagineers shared a sneak peek at what makes Villains Land so visually distinct: a design approach they’re calling “conjured architecture.” Drawing inspiration from Art Nouveau patterns, rich stained-glass motifs, and ornate metalwork—gleaned from visits to Paris and Barcelona—the concept blends real-world historic styles with twisted fantasy elements in deep jewel tones.
What’s Confirmed About Villains Land
Location: Situated beyond Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in the Magic Kingdom.
Theme: A dark realm under a mysterious spell that summons Disney’s most notorious villains. Heroic endings? Not guaranteed.
Attractions: Only two major rides are planned—one is likely a roller coaster—alongside themed dining and shopping, all crafted at an “incredibly twisted grand scale”.
Villain Roster: Featured characters include the Evil Queen, Maleficent, Queen of Hearts, Jafar, Yzma, Cruella, Captain Hook, Gaston, Mother Gothel, Ursula, Hades, and Chernabog.
What Lies Ahead
With construction reportedly ramping up in early 2025 and Imagineering already securing new infrastructure permits, the next wave of updates likely comes soon—possibly during this panel’s second day or future Disney events.