Disney revealed exciting plans for its upcoming animated feature, “Hexed,” during its CinemaCon presentation to theater owners in Las Vegas on Thursday. The new original film is set to star Oscar-nominated actress Hailee Steinfeld and Emmy-nominated Rashida Jones in key voice roles. Audiences can look forward to this magical adventure hitting theaters nationwide this fall, with a release date confirmed for November 25.

What Happened?

During its highly anticipated CinemaCon presentation, Disney officially announced “Hexed,” an original animated movie promising a fresh story and vibrant characters. The film centers on a fascinating premise: a teenage oddball discovers her unique quirks are actually hidden magical abilities. This revelation transports both her and her Type A mother into an extraordinary new world where magic is not only real but runs free. This concept aims to explore themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the power of family bonds through a whimsical lens.

The stellar cast brings significant talent to the project. Hailee Steinfeld, known for her diverse roles in films like “True Grit,” “Pitch Perfect,” and lending her voice to “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse,” is an acclaimed performer. Rashida Jones, celebrated for her work in “Parks and Recreation,” “I Love You, Man,” and “Celeste and Jesse Forever,” also joins the voice ensemble, promising dynamic performances. Behind the scenes, the film is helmed by a talented directorial team. Josie Trinidad, recognized for her head of story contributions to hit movies such as “Ralph Breaks the Internet” and “Zootopia,” makes her directorial debut. She is joined by Jason Hand, who served as co-director on “Moana 2” and head of story for “Encanto.” Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones are attached as producers, bringing their expertise to the project.

“Hexed” arrives at an interesting time for Disney Animation. The studio recently celebrated the record-breaking success of last year’s “Zootopia 2,” which surpassed “Inside Out 2” to become the highest-grossing animated film of all time, accumulating $1.7 billion globally. It also outranked “Frozen 2” as Disney’s biggest animated film ever and stood as 2025’s highest-grossing movie overall. However, while sequels often perform strongly, original animated films have shown more unpredictable results. This spring’s “Hoppers” was a commercial success, yet other original titles like “Elio” and “Luca” have previously struggled to attract large audiences. Disney hopes “Hexed” will capture the public's imagination, further showcasing its commitment to innovative storytelling alongside its well-established franchises. The CinemaCon event also featured previews of other major Disney releases, including footage from the live-action “Moana,” “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” “Toy Story 5,” and “Avengers: Doomsday.”

Key Highlights

Disney officially announced its new animated film, “Hexed,” at CinemaCon.
Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones are confirmed to star in the movie.
“Hexed” is an original story about a teenager discovering her hidden magic.
The film is scheduled for release in theaters on November 25 this fall.
Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand are co-directing the animated feature.
The announcement highlighted Disney’s blend of successful sequels and original content.
Producers Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones are overseeing the project.

Why Does This Matter?

The announcement of “Hexed” is significant because it represents Disney's continued investment in original animated stories, even amidst the colossal success of its sequels. While franchises like “Zootopia 2” reliably draw huge crowds, new original concepts like “Hexed” are crucial for keeping the animation landscape fresh and pushing creative boundaries. This commitment ensures that audiences have a diverse range of stories to enjoy, from familiar beloved characters to entirely new worlds waiting to be explored. It also allows Disney to nurture new talent, both in front of and behind the camera, fostering innovation within the industry.

For everyday audiences, “Hexed” offers the promise of a heartwarming and magical cinematic experience for the whole family. The film’s premise of a teenager discovering hidden magic and being transported to a fantastical world resonates with universal themes of self-acceptance, the bond between a parent and child, and the wonder of imagination. With acclaimed voices like Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones, coupled with experienced directors and producers, “Hexed” has the potential to become a cherished new addition to Disney's long history of memorable animated films, inspiring viewers of all ages with its message of embracing one's unique qualities.