At Destination D23, Walt Disney Animation Studios unveiled its next original animated feature, Hexed, a magical adventure slated to arrive in theaters on November 25, 2026. The film follows a teenage boy and his mother who uncover that his peculiar behavior is not simply oddness, but a sign of hidden magic. Their discovery leads them into a world where magic can flourish, a realm accessible only to those labeled “weird” in the regular world.
Concept art shown during the reveal teased a vibrant, magical setting, featuring imagery that drew comparisons to the whimsical Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland. While few details about the cast or creative team have been released, the premise highlights Disney’s interest in celebrating themes of individuality, otherness, and wonder.
Disney Animation confirmed the news on its official social media channels, writing, “Coming to theaters in Fall 2026, Disney’s Hexed is an all-new original film that follows a teenage oddball and his mom, who discover his weirdness is actually hidden magic, transporting them to a world where magic can run free.”
The announcement comes at a pivotal time for Walt Disney Animation. The studio’s most recent release, Moana 2, continues its line of sequels, while its last attempt at an original property, Wish, struggled to resonate with audiences despite heavy promotion. This places Hexed in a position where expectations are high for Disney to deliver a fresh story that can restore confidence in its original storytelling.
Though many questions remain unanswered, early impressions suggest a potential return to form. With a release date now set, Disney fans can expect more details on Hexed in the months leading up to its debut.
