Disney’s ‘Hexed’ Casts Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones; Original Movie Debuts Thanksgiving 2026
Disney Animation just revealed the lead voice cast for its upcoming original feature, Hexed. The studio announced that Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones will bring the main characters to life in this magical new adventure.
First teased by Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush back in 2025, Hexed promises a fresh take on modern fantasy. The story follows a relatable family dynamic thrown into completely uncharted territory. With a stellar cast now officially attached, fans finally have a clearer picture of what to expect.
Hailee Steinfeld Leads the Magic In Disney’s Hexed
Hailee Steinfeld is officially stepping into the recording booth to voice the film’s protagonist, Billie. Disney describes Billie as an unconventional teenager stuck living in a remarkably boring town. Her ordinary life takes a wild turn when she accidentally discovers she is actually a witch.
During a recent presentation, Disney shared a brief teaser highlighting Steinfeld’s comedic timing. The clip showed Billie meeting a magical, talking book and pen. When the enchanted pen asks if she has ever been persecuted, drowned, or burned at the stake, Billie dryly responds, “I’ve burned a steak in the microwave.”
After signing her name in the book’s pages, she is immediately whisked away into a sprawling world of magic and wonder. Steinfeld’s proven ability to balance youthful rebellion with genuine heart makes her a perfect fit for a Disney heroine discovering her hidden potential.
Rashida Jones as the Type-A Mom
Every great coming-of-age story needs a grounding force, and Rashida Jones provides exactly that in Hexed. Jones will voice Billie’s mother, a classic type-A personality who likes everything in her life neat, organized, and entirely predictable.
Finding out your daughter is a witch would throw any parent for a loop. For a highly structured mom, it completely turns her world upside down. The dynamic between a quirky, newly magical teenager and her deeply practical mother promises plenty of comedic friction and emotional growth. Jones excels at playing highly strung, lovable characters, making this casting choice a massive win for the project.
A Fresh Creative Team
To bring this magical world to life, Disney tapped directors Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand. Both filmmakers bring years of animation experience to the table, ensuring Hexed will feature the stunning visuals and sharp storytelling audiences expect from the studio.
Producers Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones are backing the project. The creative team aims to balance the spectacular elements of a fantasy adventure with a deeply relatable, character-driven story about family and self-discovery.
Continuing the Thanksgiving Tradition
Disney Animation practically owns the Thanksgiving holiday at the box office. The studio traditionally reserves this prime release window for its biggest family-friendly events. Last year, they dominated theaters with Zootopia 2, which pulled in over $1.86 billion globally.
Hexed is officially slated to hit theaters on November 25, 2026. Placing the film in this coveted holiday corridor shows that Disney has massive confidence in the project. Families looking for a fun, magical escape over the long weekend will likely make this their top destination.
As the release date slowly approaches, keep an eye out for the first official trailer. With Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones leading the charge, Hexed is already shaping up to be Disney’s next big animated hit.
