Disney showcased its upcoming animated film Hexed and announced a new theatrical short, Lilo & Scratch, during its presentation at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival on Friday.
“For the first time in five years, we have a new theatrical short,” said director Fawn Veerasunthorn. She added, “We are in this room because every single one of us loves animation.”
Lilo & Stitch takes place shortly after the original Lilo & Stitch. Stitch enjoys life with his new family until Lilo brings home a cat. The new pet sparks chaos across the island. Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Malcon Pierce described it as a “wild, chaotic chase around the island. This is the kind of mayhem we love with this character.” Chris Sanders returns as the voice of Stitch. Disney plans to release the short this fall.
The studio also previewed Hexed, its 65th animated feature. The film follows Billie, a rebellious teenager who discovers magical powers after removing a bracelet that has limited her abilities since childhood.
“It’s the core of the movie: it’s a mother-daughter love story,” director Jason Hand said.
Hailee Steinfeld voices Billie, alongside Rashida Jones, Tracey Ullman, Alan Tudyk and Stephen Fry. Billie enters a world of witches, uncovers family secrets and learns to control her powers.
“We’re flipping the expectations,” Veerasunthorn said about the film’s new take on witches.
Hand added that Billie “is trying to figure out who she is, too.”





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