Disney is bringing together a new animated feature and a familiar franchise when Hexed arrives in theaters. Before the film begins, audiences will see Lilo & Scratch, a new animated short connected to the Lilo & Stitch franchise. The pairing gives Disney a way to introduce a new original story while also including characters that already have recognition among moviegoers.
Early discussion around Hexed suggests the film has not generated the same level of excitement as some of Disney’s larger recent animated releases. However, the difference does not appear to represent a major lack of interest. Instead, the film faces the challenge that comes with launching an original animated property without the built-in audience of an established franchise, especially as some old-time Disney fans have founds their latest releases to be a bit lackluster at times.
Placing a short with recognizable and beloved characters before a new feature can help introduce audiences to a film they may not already know. The strategy gives Disney a way to connect a familiar brand with an original story.
What We Know About the Short
Lilo & Scratch is an animated short featuring characters from the Lilo & Stitch franchise. The short continues Disney’s tradition of releasing theatrical animated shorts alongside feature films. These pairings have historically allowed studios to provide additional content while creating connections between different projects.
The short will feature the return of Chris Sanders as the voice of Stitch. Sanders co-created the original character and voiced Stitch in the 2002 animated film. Maia Kealoha, who played Lilo in Disney’s 2025 live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch, is also expected to return as the voice of Lilo. The project continues Disney’s use of the franchise following the release of the live-action film.
Lilo kisses Stitch on the nose in Lilo & Stitch – YouTube, IGN
The decision to place a Lilo & Stitch short before Hexed connects two different types of Disney releases. Lilo & Stitch is an established property with more than two decades of history, while Hexed is a new animated story from Walt Disney Animation Studios.
What to Know About Disney’s ‘Hexed’
Hexed is an original animated fantasy film centered on Billie, a teenager who discovers that she has magical abilities. The coming-of-age story follows Billie as she learns about a hidden magical world and discovers more about her family’s connection to that world. The film is set in a realm called Hexe and focuses on Billie’s relationship with her mother, Alice.
Hexed is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, with Josie Trinidad serving as co-director. Veerasunthorn previously worked as a director on Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, while Hand has worked in animation at Disney for several years.
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The voice cast includes Hailee Steinfeld as Billie and Rashida Jones as Alice. Additional cast members include Tracey Ullman and Stephen Fry.
The film represents Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65th animated feature. Unlike recent Disney releases based on existing franchises, Hexed is introducing a new setting and characters rather than continuing a previously established story.
With Disney’s recent history of less original or iconic films than fans were used to, some viewers are more likely to question whether they want to see a new film in theaters. The waning excitement over a new release may need a boost from a beloved franchise.
The Challenge of Launching an Original Animated Film
Theatrical animation has increasingly included sequels, adaptations, and films connected to existing brands. Those projects often benefit from audience familiarity before release. Original animated films must rely on marketing, storytelling, and audience interest to build recognition.
That makes the inclusion of Lilo & Scratch notable. The short gives theater audiences an immediate connection to a familiar Disney property before they see a completely new animated film. It may help introduce Hexed to viewers who are already interested in returning to the theater for a Disney release. And pull in a few who were on the fence on taking a chance with the new film.
Lilo and Stitch in Lilo & Stitch – Disney
The effectiveness of that approach will not be known until Hexed reaches theaters. Audience response will depend on many factors, including the film’s marketing campaign, reviews, competition from other releases, and general interest in the story.
For Disney, the pairing represents a combination of a new animated feature and a familiar franchise. Whether Lilo & Scratch changes awareness or attendance for Hexed remains to be seen, but the strategy reflects the studio’s continued effort to connect original stories with recognizable entertainment brands.
What do you think of Disney’s strategy including a Lilo & Stitch short? Are you interested in the Hexed movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
