Descendants 3, the last movie in the hit science-fiction series, aired on the Disney Channel on Friday. For Cameron Boyce’s fans and co-stars, the premiere was bittersweet. It was the last time Boyce would appear on-screen, and his fellow Descendants cast members shared social media tributes to the late actor, who died from “sudden unexpected death in epilepsy” in July.
Dove Cameron, who played Mal, reflected on the end of Descendants with a series of heartfelt Instagram posts from the set. In one post, she wrote of Boyce, “words fail me. my heart is heavy with pain, and aching, agonizing love.” Alongside the caption, she included a behind-the-scenes blooper video from the Descendants set; Boyce, who played Carlos, stands on the end, holding hands with the cast. In another photo, she shared a screenshot of a text conversation with Boyce and castmates Sofia Carson and Booboo Stewart, where they tell each other how much they love one another.
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Hugs seem to have been Boyce’s favorite form of affection. Carson, who portrays Evie, shared a video of the Descendants wrap, where herself, Boyce, Stewart, and Cameron are all together. As director Kenny Ortega announces that filming is complete, the group receives cheers from the crew, and give each other a huge group hug. “[D]ear cam, this one’s for you,” wrote Carson, while also tagging the Cameron Boyce Foundation.
She also said farewell to her character, Evie, and reflected on Boyce, writing, “My Cam. Our Cam. Who is looking down upon us today, dancing like only he knew how, laughing like only he (in the whole world) could make us laugh, and smiling as if everyday was heaven on earth,” adding that she misses his hugs.
China Anne McClain, who plays the pirate Uma, also paid tribute to his hugs, sharing an image of the two embracing on Instagram. She dedicated the movie to Boyce, writing, “I can’t believe [Descendants 3] premieres tomorrow night. I love you forever. This movie belongs to YOU.”