Disney has another original animated movie on the way, but unlike many of the studio’s biggest releases, this one has largely flown under the radar.That could change over the next several months as Disney begins its marketing campaign, but for now, Hexed is shaping up to be one of the company’s quieter theatrical releases. Even with a Thanksgiving launch date, awareness appears relatively low compared to recent Disney Animation films, making its box office outlook difficult to predict.Now, however, the movie has received an unexpected boost—not from moviegoers, but from the State of California.California Is Helping Fund Disney’s Next Animated FilmCalifornia has announced the latest round of recipients for its expanded Film & Television Tax Credit Program, and Disney’s upcoming animated feature Hexed is among the projects selected.The selection is particularly notable because California only recently expanded the program to include animated productions. Previously, many large animation projects were completed outside the state in locations that offered stronger financial incentives.Alongside Disney’s Hexed, DreamWorks Animation’s Donkey and an untitled Pixar project also received approval under the new program.Credit: DisneyThe expanded incentive program raised its annual funding cap from $330 million to $750 million, with California officials saying the goal is to bring more film and television production back to the state.Disney Entertainment Studios Chairman Alan Bergman praised the program, noting that The Walt Disney Company has called California home for more than a century and thanking state leaders for supporting continued production in the region.What Is Hexed About?Disney officially describes Hexed as the story of Billie, an impulsive teenage girl who discovers she possesses magical abilities that launch her into a hidden realm of witches known as Hexe. Forced to work alongside her cautious mother, Alice, Billie uncovers long-buried family secrets that could reshape the magical world forever.The film stars Hailee Steinfeld as Billie and Rashida Jones as Alice, with Tracey Ullman voicing the enchanted feather quill Ms. Quill and Stephen Fry playing the magical journal Elias Quire. The movie is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, with Josie Trinidad serving as co-director. Disney currently has the film scheduled for release on November 25, 2026.At first glance, the movie appears to have many ingredients Disney Animation fans enjoy: original world-building, fantasy elements, humor, and a family-centered story instead of another sequel.The movie’s focus on witches and magic also places it in somewhat controversial territory. While fantasy stories involving witches have long been part of family entertainment, the subject remains sensitive for some parents and groups, making Hexed a film that could generate more discussion than the average Disney Animation release.Why the Film Has Become More ControversialWhile Disney hasn’t begun its full promotional campaign, Hexed has already generated discussion online for reasons beyond its story.Much of the debate began after early concept artwork suggested a visually painterly fantasy world that many fans believed hinted at a dramatic stylistic shift for Disney Animation. When footage was later shown publicly, viewers discovered the finished film used a much more familiar CGI look.Another point of discussion centered on the movie’s lead character. Early announcements reportedly described the story differently before later presentations introduced Billie as the main protagonist. That sparked online conversation among some Disney fans who had been anticipating a different direction for the film.As with many internet debates surrounding Disney projects, reactions have varied widely. Some fans remain excited about the magical setting and cast, while others continue discussing the creative decisions that evolved during production.Disney Hexed trailer is out now! pic.twitter.com/B7uq4DDckS— DisTrackers (@DisTrackers) June 16, 2026Disney Still Has Plenty of TimeOne important factor working in Disney’s favor is timing.Despite releasing this Thanksgiving, Hexed has yet to receive the type of large-scale marketing campaign that typically accompanies one of Disney Animation’s major theatrical releases. The studio still has months to introduce audiences to Billie, the magical world of Hexe, and the adventure waiting inside the film.At the moment, awareness simply doesn’t appear to be where Disney would likely want it to be. Outside dedicated animation circles and Disney fans, many casual moviegoers may not even know the film exists.That naturally makes early box office expectations somewhat conservative. Based solely on current public awareness—not on the movie’s quality—it would be reasonable to project a softer theatrical opening than some of Disney Animation’s recent releases. Marketing can dramatically change that equation, especially during the holiday movie season.Disney has successfully turned quiet releases into major events before through aggressive trailers, television spots, theme park promotion, and social media campaigns. Whether Hexed receives that level of attention remains to be seen.For now, though, the film has already secured one important victory behind the scenes. California has decided it’s worth investing in, giving Disney another incentive to keep one of its newest animated features closer to home as production continues.The post State of California Pays Disney To Produce New “Witchcraft” Movie appeared first on Inside the Magic.