Disney Animation Unveils New Original Film “Hexed,” Set for Global Release in November 2026

Jared Bush, Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, recently announced the studio’s new original animated feature project, Hexed (tentatively titled 魔咒 in Chinese), scheduled for worldwide release on November 25, 2026. Blending magic and adventure, the film is poised to become a cornerstone of Disney’s animated lineup, captivating global audiences with its unique charm and innovative storytelling.

Film Synopsis: A World Where Magic and Technology Collide

Hexed invites audiences into a fantastical realm where magic does not stem from ancient incantations or mystical creatures—instead, it is a powerful natural force that can be coded, manipulated, and even “hacked.”

The story centers on a clumsy teenage boy and his type-A mother, whose quirky “flaws” turn out to be sealed magical powers. As the truth unravels, the mother and son are drawn into a dazzling world overflowing with wild magic, embarking on a spectacular family adventure.

The film will explore themes of identity, responsibility, and the balance between technology and nature.

All-Star Creative Team Behind the Film

Disney has assembled a top-tier production team for Hexed, bringing together some of its most talented creatives:

Directors: Josie Trinidad (Zootopia) and Jason Hand (Moana 2) will co-direct.

Producers: Roy Conli (renowned producer of Moana and Encanto) and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Wish) will produce.

Substantial Budget and Technical Innovation

Hexed is reported to have one of the largest production budgets in Disney Animation history, exceeding $200 million. These resources will primarily drive innovation with Disney’s proprietary “Hyperion” rendering engine and cutting-edge AI-assisted animation tools, aiming to deliver unprecedented visual spectacle. The film intends to pioneer a new aesthetic where magic is visualized as dynamic particles, light streams, and intricate geometric forms, offering audiences a truly immersive audio-visual experience.

Notable Context:

This will be Disney Animation’s first original film since Wish (2023).

It will be the second Disney animated feature to release on November 25, following Aladdin (1992).

It is also the fourth Disney animated film to debut on this date, after Aladdin, A Bug’s Life (1998), and The Good Dinosaur (2015).

“Even miracles take a little time.”

Hexed has joined Disney’s high-stakes theatrical slate and is expected to make a major impact during the 2026 Thanksgiving holiday season.