Gen Z has grown up with the Enchanted movie since it came out in 2007. With the sequel Disenchanted making its debut 15 years later on Nov. 18, fans old and young have become re-immersed in the mythical land of Andalasia right alongside the cast that makes it special. The original cast of Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel first graced our screens as Giselle was just starting to find her footing in New York with her new love Robert. Now, the OG cast has returned to continue their stories in Disenchanted, and it feels like a full-circle moment. However, one original cast member didn’t return for the sequel: Rachel Covey in her role as Morgan.
Enchanted fans were first introduced to Covey when she played Robert’s six-year-old daughter Morgan. The young girl was outgoing and darling in the first movie, winning the hearts of fans. It was clear that Morgan would be the one who grew up the most in these past 15 years. In Disenchanted, Morgan is now an angsty teenager trying to find her own happily ever after. Despite the fans ready to grow up alongside Covey and her role, Disney announced via Twitter on May 17, 2021 that Gabby Baldacchino would play the role of teenage Morgan. So, why has Morgan been recast in this much-anticipated sequel?
Disenchanted picks up 15 years later, but Morgan’s character was de-aged. If they followed a real-world timeline, Morgan would’ve been 21, which would’ve been a perfect fit for Covey as she’s 24 now. However, Morgan is 16 years old in Disenchanted, so Covey would’ve had to play someone eight years younger than her. Logistically speaking, Baldacchino fits the role better when it comes to her age.
Baldacchino is a student at the University of Southern California and was 19 years old at the time of filming. Being a teen herself, she is able to relate more closely to Morgan, giving the audience a performance that fulfills their expectations of grown-up Morgan. This is also Baldacchino’s breakout role. Producers haven’t said why they recast Morgan, but given that her character arc in Disenchanted is about finding her own happy ending, it makes sense to cast Baldacchino as she is starting to find her own footing in Hollywood.
Covey has been busy since her acting career took off after her appearance in Enchanted. Despite getting started as an actress, she has since branched outside of the craft. She graduated from Northwestern University in 2020 and now is a playwright and composer. Covey directs projects in New York City (it’s almost like she’s a grown-up Morgan in real life). So, though Disney hasn’t given any explicit reason for her absence, she could just be busy with her life after Enchanted.
Much like the movie series, two worlds collided at the red carpet premiere of Disenchanted. Covey made an appearance to show her support for her old cast members and Baldacchino. Both women portray Morgans that the audiences — young and old — can relate to, carrying on the beloved story of Enchanted.