Disney has unveiled its first trailer for the highly anticipated animated film “Hexed,” set to hit cinemas on 25 November 2026. The movie, which marks the 65th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios, showcases the talents of a star-studded voice cast that includes Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Tracey Ullman, and Stephen Fry.
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In “Hexed,” Steinfeld lends her voice to the lead character, Billie Doe, a teenager grappling with her identity and the discovery of her magical powers. The trailer opens with Billie expressing her feelings of alienation, stating, “My whole life, I felt like there was something wrong with me.” This sentiment is compounded by her experiences at school, where she faces ridicule from classmates and disapproval from faculty members.
Faced with bullying, Billie retreats to the solitude of a school bathroom. It is within these confines that she stumbles upon her extraordinary ability; after searching for her bracelet, she unknowingly uses magic to retrieve it. This unexpected talent leads to a series of comical mishaps, featuring levitating litter and floating animals, before the consequences of her powers spiral out of control, ultimately resulting in her expulsion from school.
In a seemingly dire situation, Billie and her mother Alice, voiced by Jones, navigate the aftermath of her expulsion. “I don’t even know where we go from here,” Alice remarks, encapsulating their confusion about the future. However, the answer arrives swiftly, as Billie is unexpectedly transported from her mundane suburban existence into Hexe, an enchanting realm brimming with witches, extraordinary creatures, and tantalising mysteries.
Upon her arrival in Hexe, Billie encounters characters such as Ms. Quill, voiced by Ullman, and Elias Quire, who is portrayed by Fry as a lively spellbook endowed with a distinct personality. “We’ve been waiting for you,” Quire tells Billie, prompting a realisation of her importance in this magical world. Their dialogue hints at how her self-perceived oddities might be the keys to unlocking her hidden potential.
The trailer progresses into a vibrant and dynamic adventure, as Billie learns to master her newfound abilities. The colourful visuals and the bustling magical environment teem with intrigue as she interacts with other witches and delves into secrets from her family’s history. By the end of the preview, a hopeful Billie reflects, “Maybe there’s nothing wrong with me at all. Maybe I’m meant for something more.”
Directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, together with co-director Josie Trinidad, emphasise that the film’s narrative revolves around the theme of belonging. Veerasunthorn shared insights about Billie’s journey, noting that she embodies someone who has often felt out of place in her own life. “It takes leaving her normal world behind and entering a hidden world of wild, unhinged magic to begin to understand herself,” she explained.
Hand elaborated on the significance of the world of Hexe, emphasising how it serves as a backdrop for Billie’s exploration of her identity and connection to magic. The journey not only helps her embrace her abilities but also unveils long-concealed secrets about her lineage. This blend of personal growth and magical discovery promises to resonate with audiences of all ages.
As audiences await its release, “Hexed” appears poised to enchant viewers with a tale of self-discovery and acceptance amidst the whimsical chaos of a fantastical universe. With its premiere scheduled for the Thanksgiving weekend, Disney’s latest animated offering seeks to merge heartfelt storytelling with the imaginative spectacle that the studio is renowned for.
Fans of animated films and Disney aficionados alike will undoubtedly mark their calendars for this exciting new release. With its mix of humour, magic, and the universal quest for belonging, “Hexed” is likely to become a beloved addition to Disney’s illustrious catalogue.