Rita Ora reveals Brandy told her to ‘stop apologizing’ on 'Descendants: The Rise Of Red' set

Rita Ora recently revealed the insightful guidance she received from Brandy on the set of Disney's "Descendants: The Rise of Red," now streaming on Disney+ ahead of its Disney Channel premiere on August 9.

During filming, Ora, known for her role as the Queen of Hearts, shared how Brandy, portraying Cinderella, advised her to stop apologizing. 

Reflecting on an iconic scene where her character takes Cinderella hostage, Ora recounted, "'Off with her head!' It's a very iconic quote for Queen of Hearts, and I was trying to find my version of that."

Admitting difficulty in being tough with Brandy, whom she admired since childhood, Ora confessed, "Every scene after that, I would be like, 'I'm so sorry, I don't mean it.' And Brandy's like, 'Can you stop? You are in character, do what you need to do.'"

Ora praised Brandy's influence, recalling how watching her in "Cinderella" alongside Whitney Houston inspired her. "It made me believe in myself — like, 'Oh my goodness, I can do this too,'" Ora said.

The actress-singer also shared lighter moments with Brandy, including singing together on set. "I love her," Ora added with a laugh, noting, "I think I was more fanning out than she was, but it's fine."

"Descendants: The Rise of Red" follows Red, daughter of the Queen of Hearts, and Chloe, daughter of Cinderella, as they journey back in time to alter a pivotal event in their mothers' lives. 

The film marks Brandy's return alongside Paolo Montalban, reprising his role as King Charming from Disney's 1997 musical.