Spellbound: A Magical Animated Adventure That Will Capture Your Heart

Looking for your family's next animated favorite? Spellbound might just be the perfect pick! This enchanting new fantasy adventure movie, streaming now on Netflix, combines a magical world, unforgettable songs, and an incredible voice cast. Directed by Vicky Jenson (known for Shrek), with music by Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and lyrics by Glenn Slater (Tangled), Spellbound is sure to captivate audiences of all ages. Featuring the voice of Rachel Zegler (West Side Story) as the brave Princess Ellian, this movie is full of adventure, heart, and an unexpected twist on classic fairy tales. Keep reading for everything you need to know about this thrilling animated film!

What is Spellbound About?

Spellbound follows Princess Ellian (voiced by Rachel Zegler) on the eve of her 15th birthday. As the young heir to the throne of Lumbria, she should be celebrating, but there's a big secret lurking: her parents, Queen Ellsmere (Nicole Kidman) and King Solon (Javier Bardem), have been transformed into terrifying monsters due to a dark curse. The kingdom is in chaos, and Ellian must embark on a dangerous quest to break the spell before it’s too late. Along the way, she discovers that even if she succeeds, her family may never be the same again.

“I grew up watching animated films like Beauty and the Beast, so stepping into Ellian's shoes was a dream come true for me,” says Zegler, reflecting on her role. “The music, especially by Alan Menken, really helped bring the magic to life for me.”

But Spellbound isn’t just your average fairy tale. Director Vicky Jenson wanted to give the genre a fresh, modern twist while still paying homage to the familiar tropes of princesses, spells, and kingdoms.

When Can You Watch Spellbound?

Spellbound is now streaming exclusively on Netflix. Prepare to be swept away into its enchanting world!

Who’s in the Cast of Spellbound?

The movie features an all-star voice cast, including:

• Rachel Zegler as Princess Ellian, who must hide her parents' monstrous transformation from the kingdom.
• Nicole Kidman as Queen Ellsmere, Ellian’s mother, who has been turned into a fierce monster.
• Javier Bardem as King Solon, Ellian’s father, who also suffers from the curse.
• Dee Bradley Baker as Flink, Ellian's fuzzy sidekick.
• John Lithgow as Minister Bolinar, a trusted advisor to Ellian.
• Jenifer Lewis as Minister Nazara, a royal advisor who believes Ellian should take the crown.
• Nathan Lane as Luno, an oracle who sends Ellian on her journey to the Lake of Light.
• Tituss Burgess as Sunny, a polar-opposite oracle who balances Luno’s pessimism with his boundless optimism.

The Magical Music Behind Spellbound

The magic of Spellbound isn’t just on screen; it’s in the music too. Alan Menken and Glenn Slater, the legendary duo behind unforgettable songs in The Little Mermaid and Tangled, crafted nine original songs for the movie. These tunes bring depth and emotion to Ellian’s journey.

Songs like “What About Me?” showcase Ellian’s internal struggles, while “The Way It Was Before” tugs at the heartstrings as she longs for her parents to return to their former selves. With songs that span a range of emotions, from joyful to heartbreaking, the soundtrack will keep you humming long after the movie ends.

Does Rachel Zegler Sing in Spellbound?

Yes! Zegler not only brings Ellian to life with her voice acting, but she also belts out several songs throughout the film. Her journey started long before she was officially cast, when she recorded scratch vocals from her attic, and her passion shines through in her performance. “I had the honor of working with Alan Menken early on, and then when I got the part, it felt like a dream come true,” she says.

The Heart of the Story: Why Are Ellian’s Parents Monsters?

By the end of Spellbound, we finally understand why Ellian's parents became monsters. Their curse is rooted in an unhappy marriage and unresolved anger. When they face this painful truth at the Lake of Light, they must decide whether to continue their relationship or accept change—both as a couple and as parents to Ellian. This emotional moment reflects the themes of family and personal growth.

Director Vicky Jenson believes the film’s focus on family dynamics and separation adds an emotional layer to the story, resonating with both kids and adults. “Spellbound speaks to the evolution of parents and children and the changes that happen as we grow up,” she says.

Final Thoughts: Is Spellbound Worth Watching?

Spellbound has all the elements of a classic animated film—adventure, magic, beautiful animation, and a strong emotional core—but it also brings a modern twist with its deeper themes of family, change, and acceptance. While some elements might feel familiar to fans of other animated movies, the film still delivers plenty of charm, heart, and magical moments to keep you entertained.

So grab your popcorn and gather your family—Spellbound is the perfect movie to watch together.