Hailee Steinfeld is bringing a little extra magic to her role in Disney’s new animated feature Hexed, contributing an enchanting cover of a hit by The Cars in addition to leading the voice cast.
Released Friday (Oct. 23) ahead of the movie’s theatrical premiere Nov. 25, the singer/actress’ version of “Magic” keeps all of the 1980s flair of The Cars’ original recording, while Steinfeld’s bright vocals give it a new pop sheen. “Just a little bit of magic pulls me through,” she sings. “I’ve got a hold on you.”
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It pairs perfectly with the whimsical story told in Hexed, which follows a girl named Billie Doe — voiced by Steinfeld — as the discovery of her previously untapped magical abilities launches her “out of suburbia and into a spectacle-filled journey through a vast witch realm called Hexe,” according to a description. Rashida Jones, Jodie Foster, Walton Goggins, Tracey Ullman and Stephen Fry are also in the voice cast.
“Magic” reached No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1984, but it’s far from The Cars’ only hit. The Boston rock band also scored top 10 entries with “Drive” (No. 3), “Shake It Up” (No. 4), “You Might Think” (No. 7) and “Tonight She Comes” (No. 7).
Steinfeld has also earned her share of chart hits with five entries on the Hot 100 to date, led by 2016’s “Starving” with Grey and Zedd, which peaked at No. 12. She’s now becoming known for recording music in collaboration with the films she stars in, dropping “Dangerous” for Sinners in April of last year. “Blending music and acting like this feels like the fullest expression of who I am,” she told Billboard at the time.
Listen to Steinfeld’s cover of “Magic” by The Cars below.