Hailee Steinfeld Discusses Her Upcoming Disney Animated Role in Hexed and Her Transformative Year
Hailee Steinfeld, the multi-hyphenate performer whose career has spanned critical acclaim in independent cinema to massive success in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon this week to discuss her latest professional endeavor: the Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film, Hexed. The appearance comes at a zenith in Steinfeld’s professional and personal life, marking a period defined by record-breaking cinematic success, significant life milestones, and a continued evolution as both an actor and a recording artist.
A Career Defined by Record-Breaking Milestones
Steinfeld’s recent professional trajectory has been nothing short of historic. She starred in director Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire epic, Sinners, which not only captured the cultural zeitgeist but also solidified its place in Academy Award history. The film secured an unprecedented 16 Oscar nominations, surpassing long-standing records for a single film’s recognition by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Ultimately, Sinners took home four golden statuettes, cementing Steinfeld’s status as a top-tier performer capable of anchoring prestige projects.
Beyond her work in front of the camera, Steinfeld contributed the track “Dangerous” to the film’s soundtrack, showcasing the synergy between her musical and cinematic talents. This dual-threat ability has been a hallmark of her career since her breakthrough in 2010.
A Transformative Year: Life and Career Intertwined
The current calendar year has been as significant for Steinfeld personally as it has been professionally. In April, she welcomed her first child, a daughter named Harper Haize, with her husband, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. The couple, whose relationship has been a subject of significant public interest, married in 2024. The intersection of her personal life and her professional commitments became a focal point during her conversation with Fallon.
Steinfeld noted that the production of her upcoming Disney project, Hexed, spanned the duration of her pregnancy and the early months of motherhood. “It’s such a dream come true,” Steinfeld told Fallon. “You jump at the opportunity to be a part of a Disney animated original. I started this project when I was pregnant, and finished it after my baby was born. So, it was really such an amazing, transformative time in my life.”
Hexed: A New Chapter in Animation
In Hexed, which is slated for a theatrical release this Thanksgiving, Steinfeld provides the voice for the lead character, Billie Doe. During the interview, she described Billie as a “rebellious, unconventional teen” who eventually uncovers a dormant, powerful secret about her lineage. The narrative centers on Billie’s discovery that she possesses magical abilities, framing the film as a coming-of-age story that leans into themes of self-discovery and the ethical application of personal power.
“It’s a magical, magical coming-of-age story and a story of self-discovery and learning to use that magic within you,” Steinfeld explained. The casting of Steinfeld—who has a long history of playing complex, spirited young women—is viewed by industry analysts as a strategic move for Disney, leveraging her appeal across multiple generations of fans.
Chronology of a Rising Star
Steinfeld’s path to becoming a household name began in 2010 when she was cast as Mattie Ross in the Coen Brothers’ remake of True Grit. That role earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress at the age of 14, establishing her as a serious dramatic force early in her career.
Following her dramatic success, Steinfeld pivoted to music, finding success on the charts with her 2015 debut single, “Love Myself,” which reached No. 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Her subsequent EP, Haiz, further solidified her footprint on the Billboard 200, proving she could maintain a dual career as a pop artist and a working actor.
Her involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) further expanded her global reach. By portraying Kate Bishop in the Disney+ series Hawkeye and voicing Gwen Stacy in the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse franchise, Steinfeld became a pillar of modern franchise filmmaking. When asked by Fallon about rumors regarding her potential return to the MCU in the upcoming Avengers: Doomsday, Steinfeld remained coy, stating only, “Time will tell.”
Industry Implications and Public Perception
The professional transition from high-stakes, adult-oriented dramas like Sinners to the family-friendly, global platform of Disney animation highlights the breadth of Steinfeld’s portfolio. Industry analysts suggest that this versatility is a key component of her longevity. By balancing blockbuster franchise commitments with prestige cinema and voice-over work, she avoids the pitfalls of typecasting.
Furthermore, her ability to maintain a high-profile presence while managing significant life changes—such as motherhood and a high-visibility marriage—has been met with largely positive public sentiment. Her appearance on The Tonight Show served not only as a promotional vehicle for Hexed but as a moment to humanize her public persona. The “Don’t Say the Same Thing Challenge” segment allowed the audience to see a more relaxed, playful side of the star, contrasting with the intense, night-shoot realities she described regarding her work on Sinners.
A Statistical Overview of Performance
Steinfeld’s career metrics remain robust. Since her musical debut in 2015, she has secured five entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Her films have consistently performed well, with the Spider-Verse series and her various dramatic roles contributing to a cumulative global box office gross in the billions.
The success of Sinners, specifically, has provided a template for how modern films can achieve both critical prestige and mainstream visibility. By contributing music to her own projects, Steinfeld adds an extra layer of engagement that keeps her in the rotation of major music streaming platforms, creating a persistent feedback loop of engagement across the entertainment ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
As the release date for Hexed approaches, the marketing campaign is expected to lean heavily on Steinfeld’s personal narrative of growth and transformation. The film represents a major investment for Walt Disney Animation Studios, and by centering the promotional narrative on Steinfeld’s own life experiences during production, the studio is crafting a relatable, authentic connection with its target audience.
For Steinfeld, the next few months will likely involve a busy press tour, continued support for her husband’s NFL season—which has seen the Buffalo Bills start with a perfect 3-0 record—and the navigation of her new role as a mother. Whether she returns to the Marvel universe or continues to pursue original, character-driven narratives, Steinfeld’s position in the industry seems more secure than ever.
The tonight show appearance concluded with clips of her latest work, leaving audiences with a clear picture of a performer who is successfully balancing the demands of stardom with the realities of a changing personal life. As she steps into the role of a witch finding her power in Hexed, it is evident that Steinfeld’s own trajectory is following a similar path of steady, intentional, and highly successful self-discovery.
