Disney’s ‘Hexed’ Reveals Cursula, a Witchy Ursula Twist Voiced by Ariel Herself

Disney Animation’s next original film is inviting audiences into a world full of witches, and it’s bringing a very familiar face along with it. ‘Hexed’ has been steadily rolling out new looks at its characters ahead of its Thanksgiving debut. The latest reveal has ‘The Little Mermaid’ fans doing a double take.

The film has a big holiday release planned. It is Walt Disney Animation Studios’ 65th animated feature and opens November 25 in the US, the day before Thanksgiving. It follows an impulsive and unconventional teenage girl named Billie, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, who discovers secret magical abilities that hurtle her out of suburbia and into a vast witch realm called Hexe. Forced to team up with her cautious mother, Alice, voiced by Rashida Jones, she and her mother uncover family mysteries that could change the world of witches forever.

Now Disney has shared the first look at Cursula, and she’ll be voiced by Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel. The character is described as a witch version of Ursula from ‘The Little Mermaid’. The image shows Cursula with a sweep of white hair, dramatic eye makeup, and a dark cloak lined with potion bottles and odd trinkets.

The casting is a fun bit of Disney history. Benson originated Ariel in ‘The Little Mermaid’, alongside Ursula’s human alter ego, Vanessa. Now she gets to voice a witchy take on the sea witch herself.

Benson has long been part of the Disney family. She was named a “Disney Legend” in 2011 for her contributions to the company. She is also the resident guest soloist for The Walt Disney Company and Disney Cruise Line, as well as an ambassador for feature animation.

First look at Cursula in Disney’s ‘HEXED’ Voiced by Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel. https://t.co/fxjwfHFWDl

— Cosmic Marvel (@cosmic_marvel) November 12, 2026

The reveal has sparked mixed reactions online. One fan joked that hearing Ariel’s voice come out of a character named Cursula is going to mess with them. Others were less charmed, with one commenter asking why Disney didn’t just put the actual Ursula in the movie instead of creating a knockoff of a character it already owns.

It’s not the only playful cameo-style role in the film. The cast also includes Pat McAfee as Rat McAfee, a rat version of himself. That suggests ‘Hexed’ is leaning into a cheeky, self-aware sense of humor.

New trailer for Disney’s ‘HEXED.’ Out November 25th. https://t.co/WmGocI7TNb

— Pop Base (@PopBase) October 12, 2026

Cursula joins an impressive ensemble. The voice cast includes Hailee Steinfeld, Rashida Jones, Jodie Foster, Walton Goggins, Tracey Ullman, Stephen Fry, Henry Winkler, Dan Stevens, Brett Gelman, Samson Kayo, Jimmy O. Yang, Ron Funches, Drew Galloway, Cheri Oteri, Kathy Najimy, Wayne Knight, Alan Tudyk, Randall Park and Bill Farmer. Ullman voices the enchanted feather quill pen, Ms. Quill, while Fry plays the magical journal, Elias Quire.

The creative team is stacked as well. The film is directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, co-directed by Josie Trinidad, produced by Roy Conli and Yvett Merino, and written by Walt Disney Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer Jared Bush and Dana Ledoux Miller, with an original score by Kris Bowers. Veerasunthorn previously worked as a storyboard artist on ‘Frozen’, ‘Moana’ and ‘Zootopia’, and was head of story on ‘Raya and the Last Dragon’.

First trailer for Disney’s new animated film ‘HEXED’. The film follows a girl who discovers her magical abilities & sets out on an adventure into a magical realm. In theaters on November 25. https://t.co/M1c5IDveuY

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) June 16, 2026

‘Hexed’ has evolved a lot during development. It was first announced at Destination D23 in August 2025, where Jared Bush revealed the film’s title, logo, and initial story details. It was originally said the lead would be an unnamed boy, until Disney announced in April 2026 that the lead would be a teenage girl named Billie Doe.

With less than 2 weeks to go before release, Cursula’s reveal adds another layer of nostalgia to Disney’s newest fairy tale. Whether she turns out to be a villain, a mentor, or something in between remains one of the film’s fun mysteries.

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