Nene Royal transforms into young witch Billie ahead of Disney’s Hexed release

Thai rock singer Nene Royal has revealed a striking new look inspired by Billie, the teenage witch she voices in the Thai-language version of Disney’s upcoming animated film Hexed.

The transformation, created by Homeless Makeup, presents a softer and more playful side of the performer, whose powerful stage presence has become a defining part of her image.

The Billie-inspired makeover brings Nene closer to the film’s fantasy setting, offering fans a fresh interpretation of the character before Hexed arrives in Thai cinemas on November 26.

It also marks another step in the promotional campaign for the Walt Disney Animation Studios production, which features Nene in her first voice-acting role.

A teenage witch discovers her powers

Hexed follows Billie, an impulsive teenager who challenges convention and unexpectedly discovers that she possesses extraordinary magical abilities.

After accidentally unleashing those powers, she finds herself transported from her familiar suburban surroundings to Hexe, an expansive realm inhabited by witches.

There, Billie must work alongside her cautious mother, Alice, as they uncover family secrets that could permanently change the world of witches.

Hailee Steinfeld voices Billie in the original English-language version, while Nene, whose full name is Rattikarn Amloy, takes on the character for Thai audiences. Rashida Jones provides the original voice of Alice.

For Nene, the role offers an opportunity to explore a character whose journey reflects aspects of her own life.

Nene finds inspiration in Billie's determination

Speaking about her first experience of dubbing an animated feature, Nene described Billie as a character who combines youthful impulsiveness with the determination to discover her identity.

“Billie is a fascinating character. She's a teenager around my age, but what makes her interesting is that she's impulsive and doesn't follow conventional rules,” Nene explained.

“When she discovers her magical powers, she leaves the world she knows and enters Hexe, where she begins a journey to find herself.”

Nene sees a particularly strong connection between Billie's ambitions and her own pursuit of a career in music.

“What I relate to most is her determination to follow her dreams and keep trying. Billie has to prove herself in the magical world, while I've had to overcome tests and challenges on the international stage,” she explained.

“That makes it easier for me to understand her feelings and the emotions behind the character.”

The singer also revealed what kind of magical ability she would choose if she could possess one of Billie's powers.

“If I could choose, I'd want magic that allowed me to spread happiness through singing and music,” Nene explained.

“To me, music is already a kind of magic. Just one song or a single sound can make someone who's feeling sad smile again, or give someone who's exhausted the strength to carry on.”

She added that she would use such a power to bring happiness to those around her.

Thai director helps bring Disney's fantasy to life

The coming-of-age fantasy is directed by Thai filmmaker Fawn Veerasunthorn and Jason Hand, with Josie Trinidad serving as co-director.

Roy Conli and Yvett Merino are the film's producers.

Created by Walt Disney Animation Studios, the studio behind Frozen and Zootopia, Hexed combines a magical adventure with a story about family relationships, self-discovery and growing up.

Advance tickets are now available for the film, which is scheduled to open in cinemas across Thailand on November 26, 2026.