Disney has rolled out an early glimpse of its next original animated feature, revealing a twist on the coming-of-age story with a supernatural edge. The studio previewed footage at CinemaCon that frames the film as a mother-daughter tale where unexpected powers change both family life and a hidden magical world.
The film, titled Hexed, arrives in theaters on November 25. Directors Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand lead the project, which blends contemporary family dynamics with fantastical elements aimed at a broad audience.
At Disney’s CinemaCon presentation in Las Vegas, attendees were shown a short sequence that leans into whimsy and world-building: the teenage protagonist faces an interrogation by a talking book and quill, which adopt British accents and invite her into an unfamiliar realm. The scene framed the story’s central hook without giving away major plot turns.
Voices attached to the production give a sense of the film’s tonal balance. Hailee Steinfeld voices the lead, Billie Doe, while Rashida Jones portrays her more controlling, Type-A mother. Producers Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones are overseeing the project, with Jared Bush serving as executive producer.
What to expect
The studio’s description positions the movie as both a family drama and a fantasy adventure: a teenager’s odd traits may actually be latent magical powers, forcing her and her mother to reassess who they are—and what exists beyond their everyday life.
- Premiere window: November 25 release date, positioning the film for holiday audiences.
- Directors: Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand.
- Lead cast: Hailee Steinfeld (Billie Doe) and Rashida Jones (her mother).
- Production team: Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones (producers); Jared Bush (executive producer).
- First footage shown: CinemaCon in Las Vegas—short sequence featuring a talking book and quill.
Disney’s CinemaCon showcase has become a regular stage for teasing animation projects and gauging early reactions from theater owners and press. This early footage suggests the studio is positioning Hexed as a family-friendly but slightly darker imaginative entry in its catalog—one that could draw both younger viewers and adults interested in character-driven animation.
Details remain limited: Disney has not released a public trailer or indicated a festival premiere, so the CinemaCon clip is the first public sign of the film’s visual and comedic approach. Expect more marketing to roll out in the coming months as the studio builds toward the November release.
For now, the film joins a growing list of animated titles that mix domestic conflict with supernatural elements, and its cast and creative team give it a clear identity within that trend. Whether Hexed will stand out critically or commercially will hinge on how well it balances family drama with its magical conceit when more of the story becomes visible.
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Hello, I’m Declan. I share my film reviews and discoveries with you to enrich your moviegoing experience.