Disney animation studio showing new hexed character design with fans reacting to change via social media.

Disney Faces Backlash Over Major Character Change in Upcoming Animated Film, Hexed

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-09-24

Disney’s Hexed, a much-anticipated coming-of-age fantasy film, has sparked discussion ahead of its release on November 25. Originally revealed as a story about an “awkward teenage boy” and his “type A mom,” the film now centers on teen outsider Billie Doe, portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld. This shift highlights the alteration in the character and has resurrected debates about Disney’s creative choices.

Concept Art and Conversations

New concept art shared online has fueled speculation that Disney may be attempting to obscure its original plans with this character revision. A fan on X speculated that an “alternative original concept art” may have been created to erase traces of the story’s initial design. This comes as no surprise to those aware of Disney’s evolving narratives during pre-production. Nevertheless, the absence of a clear explanation for the character’s change has led to further scrutiny.

Explore the significance of creative changes through Théo Mercier’s transformation of urban waste to gain insight into artistic reinventions.

Creative Decisions and Possible Influences

The reasons for shifting Billie Doe’s character from male to female remain undisclosed. Some fans suggest the modification may stem from last year’s disappointment with Elio at the box office or a strategic move to differentiate Hexed from the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO. At D23, a fan inquiring about the change was told it was an internal decision by Walt Disney Animation Studio, furthering the intrigue around this transformation.

Concept art from Disney's Hexed featuring a fantasy landscape with unique character.
Disney’s Hexed concept art as presented in September 2025 (Image credit: Disney)

Speculation and Context

Intriguingly, discussions surrounding the character’s transformation might feature in the film’s art book, releasing on December 28. Suggestions that Disney might face another scenario like the fan-driven 2D short reviving Asha & The Starboy’s original concepts remain speculative. As an animated movie, the company’s decision-making processes and possible motivations for the alteration are subjects of ongoing curiosity as Hexed, a Disney film, approaches its release on November 25.

Sources & Links

Source: creativebloq.com

Frequently asked questions

What is Disney’s Hexed release date?

Disney’s Hexed is set to release on November 25.

Who plays the main character in Hexed?

The main character, teen outsider Billie Doe, is portrayed by Hailee Steinfeld.

Why did Disney change Hexed’s main character?

The reasons for shifting Billie Doe’s character from male to female remain undisclosed. Some fans suggest the modification may stem from last year’s disappointment with Elio at the box office or a strategic move to differentiate Hexed from the upcoming Harry Potter series on HBO.