Rashida Jones joins Disney’s Hexed with Hailee Steinfeld in new animated film

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• 🔥 Quick Facts
• Casting Magic: Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones Lead New Disney Original
• The Story: A Teen’s Magical Awakening Changes Everything
• Film Details and Production Team
• Why This Thanksgiving Release Matters for Disney Animation
• What Will Audiences Experience When Hexed Arrives in November?
  • Sources

Rashida Jones just joined Disney’s Hexed with Hailee Steinfeld in an unexpected mother-daughter animated adventure. The CinemaCon reveal happened just hours ago, unveiling the cast for Disney’s 2026 Thanksgiving release. Here’s what magical storytelling awaits.

Casting Magic: Hailee Steinfeld and Rashida Jones Lead New Disney Original

Hailee Steinfeld takes the lead as Billie, an unconventional teenager from a perfectly ordinary town. Rashida Jones voices her Type-A mother Alice, creating a dynamic mother-daughter pairing rarely seen in animated features. The two-character focus promises intimate storytelling with major emotional weight.

The casting announcement drew immediate excitement from animation fans worldwide. Steinfeld’s recent voice work on Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse proved her range in animated spaces. Jones brings warmth and comedic timing to every role she pursues, perfect for Alice’s personality-driven character.

The Story: A Teen’s Magical Awakening Changes Everything

The film follows Billie’s shocking discovery that she possesses genuine magical powers. What makes her different in her mundane town becomes her greatest gift. The CinemaCon footage revealed animated characters with British accents, including a talking book and quill, who invite Billie into a secret magical world.

Directors Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand have crafted a story about accepting the unusual within yourself. The Thanksgiving release date signals Disney’s confidence in this wholesome family adventure. From the teaser imagery, expect vibrant magical visuals and heartfelt character moments.

Film Details and Production Team

Detail	Information
Release Date	November 25, 2026
Platform	Theatrical Release
Cast	Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones
Directors	Josie Trinidad, Jason Hand

“An awkward teenage girl and her Type-A mom discover that what makes her unusual might just be magical powers that will turn their lives, and a secret world of magic, upside down.”

— Walt Disney Animation Studios, Official Plot Description

Why This Thanksgiving Release Matters for Disney Animation

Hexed marks the 65th animated feature in the Disney Animation Canon, a milestone achievement. Disney’s Thanksgiving slot traditionally features family-friendly releases that span generations. Placing Rashida Jones in a major voice role signals commitment to diverse casting and fresh storytelling approaches.

The mother-daughter dynamic offers emotional resonance missing from recent animated blockbusters. Josie Trinidad’s animation experience spans from Zootopia to Tangled, ensuring visual excellence. The magical discovery premise echoes coming-of-age themes that audiences genuinely crave.

What Will Audiences Experience When Hexed Arrives in November?

CinemaCon footage offered tantalizing glimpses into Hexed’s whimsical magical world. Expect vibrant animation styles that honor Disney’s legacy while feeling fresh and contemporary. The supporting cast with British accents suggests witty dialogue and comedic moments beyond the central drama.

Marketing will likely intensify this summer with teaser trailers attached to Toy Story 5 and other releases. Thanksgiving 2026 suddenly became a must-watch date on family calendars. Will Hexed become the animated breakout that launches major franchise opportunities for Disney, or will it stand as a standalone heartfelt adventure focused purely on character and magic?

Sources

• Variety – Exclusive cast announcement and production details
• Deadline Hollywood – CinemaCon 2026 footage description and director information
• The Hollywood Reporter – Full cast details and character roles confirmation