Indeed, the manga Chainsaw Man served as a significant influence for the new Disney film, Hexed. The movie revolves around Billie Doe, a young girl who has always felt like an outsider, until she is transported to the enchanting realm of Hexe and learns she is a witch. Scheduled as Disney’s festive release for Thanksgiving, Hexed is shaping up to be a delightful addition to Disney’s improving film slate, even with just a teaser trailer currently released.
The upcoming Disney movie Hexed looks set to capture audiences, and it interestingly credits the manga Chainsaw Man for its engaging and fun appearance. In a discussion with Hexed‘s directors Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, shared by Cartoon Brew, they expressed their intention to make Hexed more animated than typical films. Hand, in particular, mentioned how Chainsaw Man influenced their creative direction.
Veerasunthorn: In designing Billie, we aimed to subtly suggest her potential to be a witch, embedding small hints throughout her character.
Hand: My 15-year-old son and I were watching Chainsaw Man. They employ some wild techniques with the characters’ eyes, which we thought we could adapt in a toned-down manner.
Veerasunthorn: As this is an original film, we saw it as an opportunity to innovate and enhance the cartoonish aspect.
Hand: Emphasizing a cartoonish style has been a major push for us overall. The colors and character proportions in the production design are particularly bold and exaggerated.
-via Cartoon Brew
The idea of Chainsaw Man influencing a Disney movie might seem surprising, but it actually makes a lot of sense and signifies a broader shift within the animation industry.
Why Chainsaw Man’s Disney Connection Makes More Sense Than You Think
The connection between Chainsaw Man and Hexed might initially appear unexpected, yet it logically fits. While Hexed isn’t as intense in violence and mature themes as Chainsaw Man, the teaser for Hexed presents a world teeming with peril from various monsters and mystical beings, reminiscent of a more child-friendly version of Chainsaw Man‘s story.
Furthermore, the tone of Hexed, aligned with the directors’ vision for animation, features vibrant colors and whimsical designs, even for its human characters. This not only contrasts with the inherent dangers of Hexe but also enhances Billie’s vibrant energy once she embraces her new surroundings. Despite the darker themes in the Chainsaw Man anime, its appeal lies in the brilliant use of colors and the quirky nature of its characters, especially Denji. It’s exciting to see this style influence the aesthetic of Hexed.
What Disney’s Chainsaw Man Inspiration Means For The Animation Industry
The incorporation of Chainsaw Man elements into Hexed underscores a broader trend within Western animation—the increasing integration of anime influences. As anime continues to gain mainstream acceptance, its impact on Western animation becomes more evident. This influence ranges from subtle nods to profound narrative and stylistic inspirations in productions like KPop Demon Hunters and My Adventures with Superman. Even Robert Kirkman acknowledged anime’s significant impact on the success of Invincible.
In recent times, Western animation has eagerly embraced anime, employing its elements sincerely and effectively. If even Disney is adopting this approach, it speaks volumes about anime’s growing prominence. The inspiration from Chainsaw Man in a Disney movie is a notable development for the animation industry, and hopefully, Hexed will successfully reflect this to become a celebrated addition to Disney’s portfolio.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
