Hexed Voice Cast Features Hailee Steinfeld and Jodie Foster

Hailee Steinfeld is taking on multiple roles for the new Disney animated movie Hexed. Not only will she lead the voice cast, but she's also recording music for the soundtrack.

The film follows a teenager who discovers she has secret magical powers that transport her to Hexe, a realm inhabited by witches. In this world, she must navigate alongside her cautious mother, voiced by Rashida Jones, and confront Queen Celeste, played by Jodie Foster, an evil ruler.

To fit the movie's witchy theme, Steinfeld recorded a cover of "Magic, a 1984 song by The Cars, which will feature in the film. Her musical endeavors are not new; she has previously combined acting with music in various projects throughout her career.

At the L.A. premiere for Hexed on Thursday, Steinfeld spoke about her experience recording music for the movie. Any time I get the chance to get in the studio it's an easy yes from me," she said. "It's such a love of mine, it's such a passion."

Steinfeld was approached by Walt Disney Animation chief creative officer Jared Bush with the idea, and she immediately expressed her interest. However, there was a catch, she had only 24 hours to record the song.

She enlisted the help of childhood friend Demitri Lerios, who is skilled in music production, and together they managed to complete the task within the tight deadline.

Steinfeld's recent hiatus from the spotlight was due to a personal milestone - she welcomed a daughter in the spring with her husband Josh Allen.

The actress has been open about what drew her to the film Hexed, citing her own experiences as a mother and the complexities of the mother-daughter dynamic. She noted that this project came into her life at a time when she needed it most.

Steinfeld's character in Hexed is not just any mother figure - it's one that requires empathy, patience, respect, and admiration. The actress acknowledged that she has gained a new perspective on life through her role.

Foster's return to the animated world after years away is marked by her involvement with Hexed, which features a unique take on Disney villains. She cited The Lion King as her favorite movie and expressed excitement about playing a character who challenges traditional notions of villainy.

The film offers a fresh look at witches, depicting them as all-female societies that empower women rather than vilifying them. Foster's involvement with the project was driven by a desire to reanimate this trope and give it new life.

Working on an animated project like Hexed has been a thrilling experience for Jones, who was drawn to the film by her fascination with witches. She appreciates how the process involves a "real leap of faith," where voice actors contribute their talents without fully understanding the final product. This lack of clarity allows artists to bring their unique perspectives to the scene, which ultimately come together in a cohesive and visually stunning way.

As Jones reflects on her involvement in Hexed, she is reminded that even seemingly disparate components can be woven into a cohesive whole through careful planning and execution. The end result is a richly detailed world where every element has been thoughtfully considered, making the animation process all the more satisfying for those involved. With Hexed nearing completion, Jones' enthusiasm for the project continues to grow as she looks forward to seeing it brought to life on screen.