Disney Animation unveils ‘Hexed’ with first Filipino director

Walt Disney Animation Studios announced “Hexed,” an original animated film set for November 2026 release, following an awkward teenage boy and his perfectionist mother who discover his unusual behavior stems from magical powers that transport them to a hidden magical world.
The film will be co-directed by Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand, marking Trinidad as the first Filipino director to helm a Walt Disney Animation Studios theatrical feature, a significant milestone for Asian representation in animation leadership.
Early concept art by Spanish artist Lorelay Bove showcases a vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic reminiscent of classic Disney artwork by Mary Blair, though industry observers question whether the final film will retain this distinctive visual style or conform to Disney’s contemporary 3D animation approach.
The announcement comes as Disney Animation seeks to recover from the box office disappointment of “Wish” in 2023, which lost over $130 million despite earning $255 million globally, making “Hexed” a crucial test for the studio’s commitment to original storytelling.
Trinidad, who joined Disney in 2004 as a story apprentice and was the only person of Asian descent in the program, previously served as co-head of story on the Academy Award-winning “Zootopia” and head of story on “Ralph Breaks the Internet“.

Walt Disney Animation Studios revealed its next major original animated film “Hexed” during the Destination D23 fan convention, announcing a November 2026 theatrical release that marks the studio’s first non-sequel feature since the box office disappointment of “Wish” in 2023.

The film follows an awkward teenage boy and his perfectionist mother who discover his unusual behavior stems from magical powers, leading them into a hidden world where magic runs free. Jared Bush, chief creative officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios, unveiled the project’s title, logline and animated logo during the showcase at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort.creativebloq

Breaking New Ground with Filipino Director

“Hexed” will be co-directed by Josie Trinidad and Jason Hand, with Roy Conli and Juan Pablo Reyes Lancaster-Jones producing. The announcement carries particular significance as Trinidad becomes the first Filipino director to helm a Walt Disney Animation Studios theatrical feature.ign

Trinidad, who joined Disney in 2004 as a story apprentice, previously served as co-head of story on the Academy Award-winning “Zootopia” and head of story on “Ralph Breaks the Internet”. Her journey from the only person of Asian descent in Disney’s story apprentice program to directing a major animated feature represents a milestone for representation in animation leadership.wikipedia

Distinctive Visual Style and Creative Team

Early concept art for “Hexed,” created by Spanish production designer Lorelay Bove, showcases a vibrant, hand-drawn aesthetic reminiscent of classic Disney artwork. The colorful, magically atmospheric style has drawn comparisons to Disney Legend Mary Blair’s work, though industry observers question whether the final film will retain this distinctive look or conform to Disney’s contemporary 3D animation approach.creativebloq

Hand, Trinidad’s co-director, brings experience from “Moana 2” and served as head of story on “Encanto”. The creative team’s track record suggests Disney is placing significant trust in proven talent as it seeks to recover from recent theatrical underperformances.cartoonbrew

Recovery from Recent Struggles

The “Hexed” announcement comes as Disney Animation attempts to rebuild momentum following “Wish,” which lost over $130 million despite earning $255 million globally. The 2023 film, intended to celebrate Disney’s centennial, opened with just $31.7 million over Thanksgiving weekend against a $200 million production budget.cartoonbrew

“Hexed” is strategically positioned between “Zootopia 2” in November 2025 and “Frozen III,” creating what industry analysts view as a crucial test for Disney’s commitment to original storytelling versus franchise content. The film’s November 2026 release will face competition from Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat” and Netflix’s Narnia adaptation.toonado