Netflix to reimagine Cinderella in animated musical 'Steps'

Netflix is expanding its animation slate with 'Steps,' an animated musical comedy that reimagines the classic Cinderella fairy tale. The film pivots away from the traditional narrative to focus on the perspective of the story's misunderstood stepsister.

In this version of the tale, the plot centers on Lilith, who accidentally transforms her sister, Margot, into a frog. To reverse the spell and prevent a villain named Priscilla from seizing control of the kingdom, Lilith is forced to form an unlikely alliance with Cinderella. The film is directed by Alyce Tzue and co-directed by John Ripa, who previously served as a co-director on 'Raya and the Last Dragon' and a story artist for 'Frozen.'

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

The production features a high-profile voice ensemble to bring its characters to life. Ali Wong voices the protagonist Lilith, while Amanda Seyfried takes on the role of Cinderella. Stephanie Hsu provides the voice for Margot, and Bette Midler returns to a familiar archetype as the Fairy Godmother. The role of the antagonist, Priscilla, is voiced by Nikki Glaser.

Subverting the Princess Trope

The project arrives during a period of significant evolution for animated features, specifically regarding how female characters are portrayed. By transforming a traditional fairy tale villain—the stepsister—into the protagonist, 'Steps' attempts to challenge narrow standards of beauty and perfection. The narrative aims to subvert traditional princess tropes by prioritizing themes of sisterhood, empathy, and inclusion over the typical romantic focus found in classic canon.

This shift reflects a broader industry trend toward diversifying character designs and exploring the internal lives of marginalized or misunderstood figures. By centering the story on an outcast, the film explores the consequences of societal expectations and the drive for perfection that often fuels antagonistic behavior in traditional stories.

Looking Toward 2026

While the film's specific plot and casting are locked, the exact release window remains broad. The movie is currently slated to arrive on Netflix in 2026. Industry observers will be watching to see if this subversion of the Cinderella myth resonates with audiences accustomed to the Disney-style interpretation of the story, and how the musical elements integrate with the film's themes of familial reconciliation.