Netflix has officially unveiled its upcoming animated film “Steps,” a fresh reimagining that places Cinderella’s traditionally villainous stepsisters at the heart of the story. Scheduled for release in 2026, “Steps” promises a bold and empathetic twist on the classic fairy tale, exploring themes of sisterhood, redemption, and identity through a comedic and adventurous lens.
The Premise: A New Perspective on Cinderella’s Stepsisters
“Steps” centers on Lilith and Margot, the stepsisters of Cinderella, who are typically portrayed as antagonists in the original tale. In this new interpretation, the narrative begins when Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong, is accused of causing chaos at the Royal Ball with a stolen magical wand. In a moment of panic, she accidentally transforms her sister Margot, voiced by Stephanie Hsu, into a frog. This magical mishap sets off a chain of events that leaves the kingdom under the control of a prince-obsessed bully, forcing Lilith to team up with Cinderella and an unexpectedly charming troll to restore order and rewrite their own story.
Rather than focusing on the familiar rags-to-riches arc of Cinderella, “Steps” dives deep into the sisters’ relationship, highlighting their differences and eventual realization that they share more in common than they initially thought. Director Alyce Tzue, a gold medalist at the Student Academy Awards and co-director of “Raya and the Last Dragon,” emphasizes that the film is about two sisters—one who fits seamlessly into the fairy tale realm, and the other who feels perpetually out of place—learning to understand and support each other.
Creative Vision and Production Team
The film is produced under Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions banner, further signaling Netflix’s commitment to innovative and diverse storytelling in animation. Tzue’s personal experiences as a Taiwanese American navigating childhood in suburban New Jersey deeply influence the film’s themes of belonging, identity, and empathy. Co-director John Ripa, known for his work on “Raya and the Last Dragon,” praised Tzue’s vision, noting that “Steps” carries a unique voice and artistic depth unlike anything he has encountered in his three-decade animation career.
The casting of Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu brings established comedic and emotional range to the lead roles. Wong, known for her work in “Beef,” and Hsu, acclaimed for her performance in “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” are both celebrated for their ability to balance humor with heartfelt depth—a perfect fit for a story that aims to challenge the traditional villain label attached to the stepsisters.
The Cast and Character Dynamics
Ali Wong voices Lilith, the misunderstood stepsister whose accidental spell causes the kingdom-wide upheaval. Stephanie Hsu voices Margot, who spends part of the narrative transformed into a frog. Their performances promise to bring nuance and relatability to characters who have historically been one-dimensional in fairy tale adaptations.
The film also features Cinderella and a “surprisingly dreamy troll” as supporting characters, adding layers of humor and adventure to the quest. The inclusion of a troll as a key ally further subverts expectations, suggesting that the film will play with fairy tale tropes in unexpected ways.
Themes: Sisterhood, Redemption, and Second Chances
At its core, “Steps” is a story about sisterhood, redemption, and second chances. The film challenges entrenched perceptions by presenting the stepsisters not as villains, but as misunderstood characters navigating a kingdom in chaos. Their journey is one of self-discovery, as they learn to appreciate their differences and work together to overcome adversity.
Tzue’s vision is clear: “At its essence, this story revolves around two sisters who are quite dissimilar — one seamlessly fits into the fairy tale realm, while the other does not — and their journey of realizing they share more similarities than differences.” This message of empathy and understanding is particularly resonant in today’s cultural landscape, where audiences increasingly seek stories that celebrate diversity and complexity.
Animation Style and Musical Elements
While details about the animation style are still emerging, early glimpses suggest a vibrant and whimsical aesthetic that pays homage to classic fairy tale visuals while incorporating modern touches. The film is described as a musical comedy, indicating that audiences can expect catchy songs and dynamic visuals that enhance the storytelling.
Netflix’s expanding animation slate has consistently pushed boundaries in terms of style and narrative, and “Steps” appears to be no exception. The film’s blend of humor, adventure, and heart promises to appeal to both children and adults, offering something for everyone in the family.
Anticipation and Cultural Impact
The announcement of “Steps” has generated significant buzz among fans of fairy tale adaptations and animation enthusiasts alike. By centering the story on Cinderella’s stepsisters, Netflix is not only offering a fresh take on a beloved classic but also contributing to a broader trend of reimagining and retelling stories from marginalized perspectives.
This approach aligns with Netflix’s ongoing efforts to diversify its content and provide representation for underrepresented voices. The casting of Wong and Hsu, both of whom have broken barriers in their respective fields, further underscores the film’s commitment to inclusivity and innovation.
Release and Future Prospects
“Steps” is set to premiere on Netflix in 2026, with more updates and first-look visuals expected in the coming months. The film joins a growing lineup of animated features from Netflix, including projects from filmmaker Chris Williams and titles under the streamer’s partnership with Skydance Animation.
As anticipation builds, “Steps” stands out as a significant addition to Netflix’s animation slate, promising to offer a refreshed perspective on the Cinderella universe. For audiences familiar with the traditional fairytale where the stepsisters were sharply defined as antagonists, the upcoming film seeks to challenge these perceptions and invite viewers to see the world—and its characters—through a new lens.
Final Words
“Steps” represents a bold and imaginative leap in animated storytelling, redefining the roles of Cinderella’s stepsisters and inviting audiences to explore themes of sisterhood, redemption, and second chances. With a talented cast, visionary directors, and a commitment to inclusivity, the film is poised to make a lasting impact on both the animation genre and the broader cultural conversation about representation and empathy.
