Disney’s "Hexed" Conjures a New Era of Magic: A Deep Dive with Directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand
Introduction: Reimagining Disney’s Enchanting Legacy
Disney Animation has long been synonymous with magic, weaving spells of wonder into cinematic history with classics like Fantasia, The Sword in the Stone, and more recently, the globally adored Frozen and Encanto. Yet, with their upcoming original feature, Hexed, directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand are embarking on a quest to discover a fresh incantation for Disney’s magical lexicon. This ambitious project promises to introduce audiences to a new kind of enchantment, one that is as complex and imperfect as its protagonist.
The film centers on Billie, a sharp-witted and somewhat prickly teenager who unexpectedly discovers her latent magical abilities. This revelation catapults her into a bewildering new world, accompanied by her mother. Having recently presented their groundbreaking work at the prestigious Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Veerasunthorn and Hand sat down with Cartoon Brew for an in-depth discussion. They delved into the intricate process of crafting the film’s unique visual language, the challenges of reinventing Disney’s signature magic, the deliberate creation of a more flawed heroine, and the surprising misinterpretations surrounding the film’s initial trailer.
H2: The Spark of Innovation: Crafting a Distinctive Magical System
The inherent challenge for any filmmaker revisiting a beloved genre, especially one as steeped in tradition as Disney’s portrayal of magic, lies in finding a new narrative thread. For Veerasunthorn and Hand, this was not a deterrent but a compelling invitation to innovate.
H3: Beyond the Familiar Spellbook
"It’s a fun challenge," Veerasunthorn shared, reflecting on the studio’s extensive history with magical narratives. "Our effects department has done it all, so what could be something new that we could all be excited about while rooting us in a specific magic system that supports the story?" The directors recognized that the magic in Hexed needed to be intrinsically linked to the film’s thematic core: the journey of a young person discovering her full potential, seeking growth and rejuvenation within a fantastical realm. This conceptual grounding was crucial to avoid magic feeling like a mere plot device.
H3: Imperfection as the New Enchantment
A significant departure from previous Disney protagonists, Billie is not a quintessential "do-gooder." This deliberate character choice profoundly influenced the film’s visual design, particularly its magic. "What we found in the story, compared to working on Moana or Encanto, is that those films center around quite do-gooder characters, but Billie is not that kind of character," explained Hand. "The specificity of the magic design comes from that sparky style. There’s beauty and danger to it at the same time, and it encapsulates her as a person." This duality in the magic mirrors Billie’s own complex personality, suggesting a raw, untamed power that is both alluring and potentially perilous. Her attraction to the "weirder parts of this world," as Hand described it, offers a fresh perspective on the magical landscape, one that feels distinctly unpolished and intriguing.
"It’s a little sharper and a little weirder," Veerasunthorn added, her affection for the character palpable. "We got to know Billie so well this year. I really fell in love with that character. I wish I’d had her bravery at her age." This sentiment underscores the directors’ deep connection to Billie, a character designed to resonate with audiences through her relatable imperfections and burgeoning courage.
H2: The Art of Rootable Imperfection: Building a Relatable Heroine
The creation of a character as spirited and occasionally abrasive as Billie presented a unique balancing act: ensuring her likability while embracing her flaws.
H3: "If You Were Billie, You Would Have Made That Choice Too."
The filmmakers employed a core principle to guide Billie’s actions and ensure audience connection: "If you were Billie, you would have made that choice too." This empathetic approach focuses on understanding the motivations behind her often impulsive decisions. "It’s about understanding the mischief she’s gotten herself into," Veerasunthorn elaborated. "We all have that side to us. That’s why characters like Garfield are so popular. We all want to be a little spiky and get away with it." However, for Billie, this inherent rebelliousness is tempered by a good heart. Her actions might not always be the most mature, but her underlying intentions and the relatable human experience of facing difficult choices make her endearing.
H3: From Likable to Rootable
The distinction between likability and rootability was a key consideration. Hand articulated this difference: "We do talk a lot about likability, but it’s more about being rootable. You’re rooting for her. You wish you were as brave as she is. A driven character is really fun to watch in a film. A character who does too much is more interesting than a character who doesn’t do enough." This focus on a character’s drive and relatable struggles ensures that audiences become invested in her journey, even when she falters.
Veerasunthorn further emphasized the importance of well-crafted dilemmas: "If you put her at a crossroads where the dilemma is interesting enough, even if she makes the wrong choice, you understand it. It also creates the intrigue of, ‘How is she going to get out of this?’" This narrative strategy keeps the audience engaged, eager to see how Billie navigates the consequences of her decisions.
The impact of a strong performance was also highlighted. Hand noted the effectiveness of vulnerability in a headstrong character, praising Hailee Steinfeld’s ability to infuse subtle moments of emotional depth into her vocal performances, further solidifying Billie’s complex and compelling nature.
H2: The Unfolding Tapestry: Mother-Daughter Dynamics and Symbolic Resonance
Hexed delves into the often-underexplored territory of mother-daughter relationships in animation, weaving it intricately into the film’s magical narrative.
H3: A Shifting Perspective
The personal experiences of the filmmakers significantly shaped this aspect of the story. Veerasunthorn shared how her own motherhood shifted her perspective on her relationship with her own mother. "When I became a mother, my whole worldview about my own mother shifted," she revealed. "I think I’m pretty normal and cool, but my daughter isn’t going to see me that way, just like I didn’t see my mum that way. It’s a fun mystery, figuring out who your parents used to be." This relatable exploration of intergenerational understanding and the evolving perception of parents adds a rich emotional layer to the film.
H3: Witchcraft, Cycles, and Covens
The thematic connection between witchcraft and the mother-daughter relationship was a deliberate choice. Hand explained, "I also think that this being a story about a witch ties in really well with the mother-daughter relationship. Billie is this character who is growing and changing, and we have a lot of moon iconography in the movie to reinforce ideas of change and cycles." The moon, a powerful symbol of transformation and cyclical nature, mirrors Billie’s own personal evolution and the evolving dynamics within her family.
Furthermore, the concept of a "coven" offered a powerful metaphor for belonging and support. Veerasunthorn observed, "Then there’s the idea of a coven, which is this group of people supporting each other. For a teenager who feels stuck and alone, the idea of finding your people is huge. Sometimes your people turn out to be your mum." This highlights the film’s exploration of finding connection and community, even in unexpected places.
H2: Choreographing Enchantment: Action Sequences for a Disney Audience
Crafting action sequences that are both impactful and appropriate for a Disney audience requires a delicate touch and a unique approach to conflict.
H3: Beyond the Punch and the Blast
The directors eschewed the typical combat tropes found in superhero films, opting for a more imaginative and character-driven approach to action. "In a Marvel movie, you have punching and shooting, and we don’t do that in our films, which I really like," Hand stated. Instead, Hexed focuses on creating "incredible obstacles and compelling antagonists to push the main character." The goal is to deliver an equally thrilling experience for adult audiences without resorting to conventional violence.
H3: The Art of Infused Action
"We want it to feel just as action-packed. We just use different tools to do that," Hand emphasized. These tools include a keen sense of visual storytelling, clever environmental challenges, and, crucially, the infusion of humor. "The other part is infusing comedy into the scene or the character because action for action’s sake is just boring." This blend of excitement and levity ensures that the action sequences in Hexed are not only thrilling but also entertaining and character-revealing.
H2: Hidden Details and a Bold Aesthetic: The Visual Language of "Hexed"
Beyond the narrative and character development, Hexed is distinguished by its meticulous attention to detail and its embrace of a bolder, more expressive visual style.
H3: The Subtle Enchantment in Billie’s Eyes
A particularly fascinating detail revealed by Hand concerns the subtle symbolism embedded in Billie’s character design. "Like I said, we have a lot of moon iconography, so if you look at Billie’s eyes, the highlight in each eye is the shape of a crescent moon." This seemingly small detail, a testament to the team’s dedication, serves as a constant visual cue to Billie’s latent magical potential. Veerasunthorn confirmed the visibility of this detail on the big screen, expressing a hope that audiences would discover these hidden layers.
Hand drew inspiration from contemporary animation, noting the influence of shows like Chainsaw Man in their approach to eye design, aiming for a similar impact but with a more subtle Disney touch. "Because this is an original film, we took it as an opportunity to think differently and get cartoonier."
H3: Embracing the "Cartoonier"
This commitment to a more expressive and "cartoonier" aesthetic permeates the film’s production design and character animation. "Being cartoonier was a big thing we’ve been pushing across the board," Hand stated. "The color in the production design is really insane, and so are the proportions of our characters." This deliberate embrace of exaggerated forms and vibrant color palettes allows for a more dynamic and visually engaging experience, pushing the boundaries of what is typically seen in mainstream animation.
H3: Bringing Inanimate Objects to Life
The directors also expressed immense joy in animating inanimate objects, a classic Disney tradition that Hexed elevates. Hand, a self-proclaimed enthusiast for this aspect of animation, cited the sugar pot from The Sword in the Stone as a key inspiration. "Bucket the cauldron is something I’ve been drawing throughout production," he revealed. The team explored innovative techniques, including 2D tests, to imbue these objects with personality and life. "There are no cheats in that either. There’s barely any stretching. This stuff just makes the world feel more alive. We’ve got some unhinged things that I look forward to people finding. I think it’s what animation does best." Veerasunthorn echoed this sentiment, highlighting the freedom animation provides for pushing caricature and expressive movement.
H2: Addressing the Trailer Controversy: Setting the Record Straight
The release of Hexed‘s first trailer sparked an unexpected and widespread online discussion regarding its perceived framing around vertical content. The directors addressed this controversy, emphasizing the deliberate artistic choices behind the film’s visual composition.
H3: A Bizarre Misinterpretation
"I wasn’t expecting that one, obviously," Hand admitted, referring to the trailer’s reception. Veerasunthorn echoed his surprise, stating, "That one caught me off guard." The directors expressed their frustration with the dominant response, which they felt was "bizarre and not true" to the film’s actual visual intent.
H3: Intentional Framing and Aspect Ratio
Veerasunthorn stressed the meticulous thought process that goes into every frame: "We put so much intention into every frame when it comes to where the characters stand and what surrounds them. We’re asking, ‘Does she feel free at this moment? Is she restricted?’ There’s a lot of thought put into that." This approach extends to the film’s aspect ratio, which is used to convey the character’s emotional state and perception of the world. "We’re also doing so many interesting things with how the world feels to our character from an aspect ratio perspective, so I think this will pass," Hand concluded, confident that the full film will effectively communicate their artistic vision and dispel the earlier misinterpretations.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Disney’s Magical Saga
With Hexed, Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand are not merely creating another animated film; they are actively reshaping the very definition of magic within the Disney canon. By embracing imperfection, crafting a deeply relatable protagonist, and pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling, they are poised to deliver an original feature that is both enchanting and profoundly resonant. The film’s dedication to intricate details, symbolic imagery, and a bold, expressive aesthetic promises a cinematic experience that will captivate audiences and spark conversations for years to come. As Hexed prepares to cast its spell, it stands as a testament to Disney Animation’s enduring commitment to innovation and its ability to conjure magic that is both timeless and refreshingly new.
