Disney Rumors Say They Pass on Projects That Don’t Appeal To Boys Then Changed “Hexed” To Female Lead

Yesterday, Disney gave Cinemacon guests a glimpse at their animated Thanksgiving film “Hexed”. During this presentation, they announced the lead character of Billie would be voiced by Hailee Steinfeld while Rashida Jones would voice her mother.

However, the original movie description given to audiences indicated that the main character was a boy when it was announced at D23 last year.  Now it’s a girl?

This comes after reports indicated that Disney passed on “Be Fri” because they needed more films to appeal to boys and girls. So either the “insider” was wrong or Disney just used it as an excuse to pass on the other film.

Here is the D23 2026 synopsis

“Hexed follows the journey of an awkward teenage boy and his Type-A mother, who discover that his peculiar quirks are actually hidden magical powers. This revelation transports them into a dazzling realm where magic is not only real, but celebrated.”

This is the new synopsis released at Cinemacon

“…an awkward teenager, Billie Doe, and her strict, Type-A mother, Alice, who discover that Billie’s “peculiarities” are actually magical powers.”

Once again, it is a female protagonist.

Maybe they felt it was too close to “Harry Potter”? Or now it’s more like “Owl House”?

Whatever the reason, it’s been changed.

Some reports indicate that the original director, Josie Trinidad, was also demoted from Director to Co-Director, but this may not be true.

The original director was Josie Trinidad, and she has reportedly been demoted to co-director so Fawn Veerasunthorn (co-director of Wish) could be the director. But industry news outlets like The Hollywood Reporter are still saying Trinidad is the director.

We do know that the lead has been gender swapped for sure.

“Hexed” releases in theaters on November 25, 2026.

What do you think? Does this sound like the “Be Fri” excuse wasn’t true?

Does Disney care about boy-led franchises anymore?

Comment and let us know!