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Disney has announced the casting of actress Hailee Steinfeld and actress Rashida Jones as the voice talents for the original new animated film Hexed, scheduled for theatrical release on November 25, 2026, coinciding with the American Thanksgiving holiday.
The film is directed by Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand, and produced by Roy Conley and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones. Hexed tells the story of Billy, an unconventional teenager living in a dull town who accidentally discovers she is a witch, which leads her into a world full of magic and wonders. Rashida Jones voices Billy's mother, a strict character whose life is also turned upside down.
Disney released a teaser showcasing Billy's encounter with a talking book and pen. The pen asks Billy about her experiences with persecution or burning, to which she jokingly replies that she once burnt a steak in the microwave. After Billy signs the pages of the book, it introduces her to the world of magic and wonder.
The project was first unveiled in August 2025 during the D23 event by Jared Bush, the creative director at Walt Disney Animation Studios. This film continues Disney's tradition of releasing successful animated movies during the Thanksgiving season, following the global success of Zootopia 2 last year, which grossed over $1.86 billion.
Why This Announcement Matters
Hexed is expected to strengthen Disney's position in the animated film market during the holiday season, benefiting from the popularity of stars Steinfeld and Jones, and featuring a story that blends magic with family comedy, likely attracting a broad audience and generating high box office returns upon release.
This news has been rewritten based on a report originally published on hollywoodreporter.com, maintaining the core facts from the source.