Hailee Steinfeld Will Have a Hold on You in ‘Magic’ Cover of The Cars for ‘Hexed’ Movie: Listen

Hailee Steinfeld is set to expand her artistic footprint with Disney’s forthcoming animated film Hexed, scheduled to premiere in theaters on November 25. The actress and singer not only leads the voice cast but also contributes a distinctive cover of “Magic,” originally by the 1980s rock band The Cars.

The new rendition was released on October 23, ahead of the movie’s debut, offering audiences a modernized take on the 1984 hit. While preserving the nostalgic 1980s vibe of the source material, Steinfeld’s version introduces a bright, contemporary pop sensibility that aligns with her evolving musical style.

Hexed introduces viewers to Billie Doe, a character voiced by Steinfeld, who embarks on a transformative journey after uncovering latent magical powers. This narrative arc propels Billie from suburban life into an extraordinary witch realm known as Hexe, weaving a fantastical tale that complements the enchanting tone of Steinfeld’s cover track.

The voice ensemble for Hexed features notable talents such as Rashida Jones, Jodie Foster, Walton Goggins, Tracey Ullman, and Stephen Fry, highlighting the film’s strong emphasis on vocal performance to bring its characters and story to life.

The Cars’ original “Magic” achieved significant commercial success, climbing to number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984. It remains a memorable entry in the band’s catalog, which includes other top 10 Billboard hits like “Drive,” “Shake It Up,” “You Might Think,” and “Tonight She Comes.”

Steinfeld herself has cultivated a successful music career alongside her acting, boasting five entries on the Billboard Hot 100. Her highest-charting single to date is “Starving,” a collaboration with Grey and Zedd released in 2016, which also peaked at number 12. This dual career path is further evidenced by her recent involvement in music projects tied to her film roles, including the song “Dangerous” for the 2023 film Sinners.

The decision to cover “Magic” for Hexed reflects Steinfeld’s ongoing approach to intertwining her musical and acting endeavors, creating a cohesive artistic expression that spans multiple mediums. Her interpretation of the song adds a fresh dimension to the film’s soundtrack and sets a tone of wonder that resonates with the narrative.

While full details about the movie’s soundtrack and its broader musical direction remain limited, the inclusion of a classic rock cover reimagined through a contemporary pop lens suggests a deliberate blending of nostalgic and modern elements aimed at engaging diverse audience demographics.

As the release date for Hexed approaches, anticipation grows not only for the animated story itself but also for how Steinfeld’s musical contributions will enhance the film’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Her cover of “Magic” stands as a promising indicator of the project’s creative ambitions.

Overall, Steinfeld’s involvement in Hexed underscores her versatility and growing influence as both a performer and recording artist, continuing to bridge the gap between film and music in innovative ways.