Hexed starts working its magic before the first scene. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ new film opens with a twist on the studio’s Steamboat Willie logo, as Mickey transforms into Sorcerer Mickey, and the filmmakers say it is meant as the first of many surprises.
Hexed opens with a twist on the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios intro, as Steamboat Willie transforms into Sorcerer Mickey Mouse.
— Drew Smith (@DrewDisneyDude) October 27, 2026
The updated intro ties into the film’s magic-based storyline and features traditional hand-drawn animation.
(Source: https://t.co/3UcPyKPjR5) pic.twitter.com/c0AJeNIzoY
Director Fawn Veerasunthorn explained the idea at an early press day for the film. “This is a movie about magic, and Disney has an incredible legacy, with Sorcerer Mickey being a big part of that,” she told Laughing Place. “So we thought, hey, that would be kind of fun to transition from one era of the steamboat into that. It’s a fun wink.”
Mickey’s turn as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice goes back to Fantasia in 1940, and the red robe and blue hat have been tied to Disney magic ever since. For a film built around witches and spells, swapping the little steamboat captain for his spellcasting self sets the mood in a few seconds.
More Surprises Are Hidden In Hexed
Fellow director Jason Hand said the logo is only the start. “If you’ve seen all of our other films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, there’s a surprise immediately from the get-go, and that’s something we tried to continue for the rest of the film,” he said. “It’s a film about magic and about witches, but there’s a lot of surprises within that.”
The magic itself got a lot of attention. Each character’s spells have their own look and color, and effects designer Dan Lund, who comes from hand-drawn animation, tested the magic in 2D before the computer animation team took over.
Hexed is not a musical, but it leans on contemporary songs. Producer Yvett Merino said several tracks started as temporary music in the story reels and worked so well that they stayed. Hailee Steinfeld also recorded a cover of The Cars’ “Magic” for the film, which is already out.
When Hexed Opens
Hexed is the 65th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios. Steinfeld voices Billie, a teenager who accidentally unleashes secret magical abilities and is hurtled out of suburbia into Hexe, a realm of witches, where she uncovers family mysteries. Rashida Jones voices her mother, Alice, with Tracey Ullman as an enchanted quill pen and Stephen Fry as a magical journal. Veerasunthorn and Hand direct, Josie Trinidad is co-director, and Roy Conli and Merino produce.
The film opens exclusively in theaters on November 25, the day before Thanksgiving. Fans in Los Angeles can catch it a night early at the El Capitan Theatre, which has a fan event with Billie on November 24.
For the latest news and updates make sure to follow us on social media! Facebook | Twitter | Threads | Instagram | TikTok
