Hailee Steinfeld Discusses Her New Animated Project Hexed and Reflects on a Transformative Year of Career and Personal Milestones

The trajectory of Hailee Steinfeld’s career in 2025 and 2026 has been marked by a rare synthesis of critical acclaim, box-office dominance, and significant personal milestones. Most recently, the actor and recording artist appeared on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to discuss her latest venture, the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios feature film Hexed. The appearance served as a promotional platform for the film, in which Steinfeld provides the voice for the protagonist, Billie Doe, a character described by the studio as a rebellious and unconventional teenager who uncovers a latent magical heritage.

The project represents a pivotal moment in Steinfeld’s professional timeline, as the production process mirrored a period of profound transition in her private life. According to the artist, the recording sessions for Hexed began while she was pregnant and concluded following the birth of her daughter, Harper Haize, in April 2026. This intersection of high-profile creative work and major life events has defined what many industry observers describe as the most successful phase of her career to date.

A Year of Unprecedented Professional Achievements

Steinfeld’s presence on the late-night circuit follows a banner year for her filmography. She starred in director Ryan Coogler’s 2025 vampire feature Sinners, a film that achieved historic recognition during the most recent awards season. Sinners secured 16 Academy Award nominations—a record-breaking figure in the history of the Oscars—and ultimately claimed four golden statuettes.

Steinfeld’s contribution to the film was not limited to her performance; she also performed the track "Dangerous," which gained traction as a notable component of the project’s marketing and critical reception. Despite the film’s success, Steinfeld admitted to Fallon that she opted to watch the 2026 Academy Awards ceremony from home, citing her pregnancy as the reason for missing the live event. Her reflection on that night—watching the industry’s highest honors from a position of personal comfort—highlights the shift in her priorities as she balances her roles as a Hollywood staple and a new parent.

The Evolution of Billie Doe: Insights into Hexed

Regarding her upcoming role in Hexed, Steinfeld provided a glimpse into the thematic depth of the project. The film is slated for a theatrical release this Thanksgiving, a traditional window for Disney’s major animated properties. Steinfeld characterized the film as a "magical coming-of-age story," centered on the internal journey of self-discovery.

"You jump at the opportunity to be a part of a Disney animated original," Steinfeld noted during the interview. "It was really such an amazing, transformative time in my life."

The narrative of Hexed follows Billie Doe, a teenager who discovers she is a witch. Steinfeld emphasized that the film moves beyond standard magical tropes, focusing instead on the metaphorical application of power and the responsibility that comes with self-actualization. Industry analysts suggest that Disney’s selection of Steinfeld for this lead role continues their trend of casting actors with established musical and dramatic ranges, a strategy that has served the studio well in recent years.

Chronology of a High-Profile Career

To understand the scale of Steinfeld’s current momentum, one must look at the progression of her career from a child actor to a multifaceted entertainer.

• 2010: Steinfeld rose to international prominence with her breakout role in the Coen Brothers’ Western drama True Grit, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
• 2015: Her transition into the music industry was marked by the release of her debut single, "Love Myself," which reached number 30 on the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, her EP Haiz secured a position on the Billboard 200, establishing her viability as a recording artist.
• 2021-2023: Steinfeld solidified her place within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, starring in the Disney+ series Hawkeye and providing the voice for Gwen Stacy in the critically acclaimed Spider-Verse films.
• 2025: The release of Sinners pushed her into the upper echelon of cinematic box-office success, coinciding with her marriage to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
• 2026: The current year has seen the arrival of her daughter, the continued success of her spouse’s athletic career—the Buffalo Bills’ 3-0 start to the regular season has been widely noted in sports media—and the anticipation surrounding the release of Hexed.

Speculation and the Marvel Cinematic Universe

During the interview with Fallon, the conversation briefly shifted to the speculation surrounding her potential return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the upcoming production Avengers: Doomsday. Given her existing tenure as Kate Bishop in Hawkeye, fans have long hypothesized that she would reprise the role in future Avengers ensembles.

Steinfeld remained circumspect regarding these rumors. "Time will tell," she stated, neither confirming nor denying her involvement in the project. Her measured response is consistent with the standard non-disclosure protocols expected of talent working within the Marvel ecosystem, though her history with the franchise makes her a frequent subject of casting speculation.

Broader Implications of Her Current Success

The public perception of Steinfeld has shifted from that of a promising young talent to a veteran performer who successfully navigates the pressures of global fame. Her ability to pivot between gritty, adult-oriented films like Sinners and family-centric animation like Hexed demonstrates a versatility that few of her peers possess.

Furthermore, her high-profile marriage to Josh Allen has placed her at the center of a "power couple" narrative that bridges the gap between Hollywood and professional sports. This convergence of demographics—film audiences, music fans, and sports enthusiasts—has expanded her reach significantly. Media analysts observe that this cross-pollination of audiences is rare and provides a unique level of brand stability that protects her against the volatility of the entertainment industry.

Engagement and Public Reception

Beyond her film work, Steinfeld’s appearance on The Tonight Show also featured a segment of the "Don’t Say the Same Thing Challenge." The lighthearted interaction served to humanize the star, who has otherwise been involved in intense, critically demanding projects.

The immediate reception to her interview has been positive, with social media metrics indicating a high level of audience anticipation for Hexed. As the film nears its release date, Disney is expected to ramp up the promotional cycle, which will likely involve further appearances from Steinfeld.

Conclusion

Hailee Steinfeld’s current status in the entertainment industry is the result of over a decade of calculated professional choices and a consistent ability to deliver in diverse formats. Whether through her dramatic work in record-breaking films or her upcoming foray into Disney’s animated universe, she continues to maintain a high level of cultural relevance. As she balances her professional obligations with her recent transition into motherhood, the industry remains focused on her next steps, particularly regarding her future with major franchises and her continued evolution as a recording artist. For now, her focus remains on the release of Hexed, a project that stands as both a professional milestone and a personal touchstone for the artist.