The Royal Recast: 5 Shocking Facts About Prince Phillip In Maleficent 2 And Why The Actor Changed
The return of Disney's dark fairy tale in Maleficent: Mistress of Evil in 2019 brought back the core cast, including Angelina Jolie as Maleficent and Elle Fanning as Princess Aurora. However, fans were immediately curious—and slightly confused—when they realized a major character looked completely different. Prince Phillip, Aurora’s love interest and the catalyst for the sequel’s dramatic conflict, had been recast. This deep-dive article, updated for late 2025, explores the behind-the-scenes reasons for the change, gives a full profile of the new actor, and analyzes Prince Phillip’s crucial, yet often understated, role in the epic battle between the Moors and Ulstead.
Prince Phillip's story in the sequel is far more complex than a simple fairy tale romance. His proposal to Aurora sets the stage for a grand, cinematic clash between two worlds, making the actor who plays him central to the narrative. The transition from Brenton Thwaites to Harris Dickinson was a significant, yet necessary, move that allowed the sequel’s ambitious plot to unfold.
Harris Dickinson: The New Prince Phillip (Biography and Filmography)
The role of Prince Phillip, the noble and peace-loving Prince of Ulstead, was handed to the rising English actor Harris Dickinson for the 2019 sequel. Born on June 24, 1996, in Leytonstone, East London, Dickinson is a British actor, writer, and director whose career trajectory has been nothing short of meteoric since his breakout role.
Dickinson's early career saw him involved in British television before he secured the role that would bring him international critical acclaim: Frankie in the 2017 independent drama film, Beach Rats.
- Full Name: Harris Dickinson
- Born: June 24, 1996
- Birthplace: Leytonstone, East London, England
- Nationality: British
- Breakout Role: Frankie in Beach Rats (2017), which earned him an Independent Spirit Award nomination.
- Major Filmography Highlights:
- Beach Rats (2017)
- Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) as Prince Phillip
- The King's Man (2021) as Conrad Oxford
- Where the Crawdads Sing (2022) as Chase Andrews
- Triangle of Sadness (2022) as Carl (Nominated for the Palme d'Or)
- A Murder at the End of the World (2023) as Bill
- Notable Accolades: Nominated for an Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead for Beach Rats.
Dickinson’s casting in Maleficent 2, officially titled Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, was a significant step into the blockbuster Hollywood world. His performance as Prince Phillip was praised for bringing a quiet sincerity and earnest desire for peace to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional love interest.
The Recasting Mystery: Why Brenton Thwaites Did Not Return
The most burning question for fans upon the sequel's release was centered on the sudden change in actors. In the original 2014 film, Maleficent, the role of Prince Phillip was played by Australian actor Brenton Thwaites. Thwaites, known at the time for roles in films like The Giver and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, portrayed a charming, if brief, version of the classic Disney Prince.
The reason for his departure from the franchise was not due to a creative decision or a lack of interest, but a very common industry hurdle: scheduling conflicts.
When production for Maleficent: Mistress of Evil began, Brenton Thwaites was heavily committed to his starring role as Dick Grayson/Robin in the DC Universe television series, Titans.
The demanding production schedule for Titans made it impossible for Thwaites to reprise his role as Prince Phillip. Disney, needing to move forward with the sequel's production timeline, was forced to recast the character, leading to Harris Dickinson's introduction.
This recasting is a classic example of how logistical challenges, even for major blockbuster franchises, can necessitate a significant change in the cast, ensuring the film can meet its release window. The transition was handled smoothly, with Dickinson seamlessly stepping into the role, though the visual difference between the two actors is quite noticeable.
Prince Phillip's Pivotal Role in the Ulstead-Moors Conflict
In Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Prince Phillip is far more than just "Aurora's husband-to-be." He is the cornerstone of the plot, a diplomatic figure whose actions and lineage drive the entire conflict. His decision to propose to Aurora, the Queen of the Moors, is the catalyst for the war that follows.
The Proposal and the Royal Dinner
The film opens with Phillip proposing to Aurora, which she accepts. This joyful union is intended to merge the human kingdom of Ulstead and the magical kingdom of the Moors. The first major confrontation occurs during the tense royal dinner where Maleficent meets Phillip's parents: the kind but weak King John and the manipulative, villainous Queen Ingrith (played by Michelle Pfeiffer).
Phillip's character is defined by his sincerity and commitment to peace. He genuinely loves Aurora and wants the two kingdoms to coexist. During the disastrous dinner, he attempts to mediate the escalating verbal battle between his mother and Maleficent, demonstrating a maturity and noble heart that contrasts sharply with his mother's duplicity.
A Prince of Peace, Not War
As the conflict escalates, fueled by Queen Ingrith's deep-seated hatred for the fairies and her elaborate plan to commit genocide against the Moors, Phillip remains a figure of moral clarity.
- He actively opposes his mother's warmongering.
- He attempts to warn and protect Aurora and the creatures of the Moors.
- He is essentially sidelined by his own mother, who uses his father's illness and her position to seize control of Ulstead's military and resources, ensuring Phillip cannot interfere with her wicked plans.
Phillip's most important function in the sequel is to represent the goodness and potential for harmony within the human world. He is the foil to Queen Ingrith's darkness, proving that not all humans are driven by fear and hatred of the unknown. His unwavering support for Aurora and his eventual marriage to her at the film's climax symbolize the successful union of the two kingdoms, ushering in an era of peace.
The Future of Prince Phillip and Maleficent 3 Speculation
While Disney has not officially announced a third *Maleficent* film, the ending of Maleficent: Mistress of Evil—with Aurora and Phillip's wedding and the establishment of a peaceful union between Ulstead and the Moors—leaves the door open for future stories.
If a third installment were to be greenlit, it is highly probable that Harris Dickinson would reprise his role as Prince Phillip. His established chemistry with Elle Fanning (Aurora) and his proven ability to handle the demands of a major fantasy franchise make him the clear choice.
Future storylines could focus on the challenges of maintaining peace between the two kingdoms, the birth of a royal heir who bridges the human and fairy worlds, or a new external threat that forces Phillip and Maleficent to work together on a grander scale. Phillip's character arc would likely evolve from a young peacemaker to a true King, ruling alongside his Queen Aurora and navigating the complexities of their unique, blended family.
The recast of Prince Phillip, initially a point of confusion for fans, ultimately allowed Maleficent: Mistress of Evil to secure a talented actor whose star continues to rise. Harris Dickinson’s portrayal cemented Phillip as a noble, necessary character in the complex tapestry of the Moors and Ulstead, ensuring that the legacy of Princess Aurora's true love remains an integral part of this modern Disney saga.
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