Full Breakdown
Netflix's "Steps": A Revisionist Take on Cinderella
12/8/2025, 8:38:47 PM
Overview of the Film
Netflix has officially announced its upcoming animated film, "Steps," set to premiere in 2026. This project offers a fresh and empathetic reimagining of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, focusing on the traditionally vilified stepsisters, Lilith and Margot. Voiced by Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu, respectively, the film portrays these characters as misunderstood rather than purely evil. The narrative begins when Lilith, accused of hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, accidentally transforms her sister Margot into a frog, leading to a chaotic kingdom under the control of a prince-obsessed mean girl. To restore order, Lilith must team up with Cinderella and a "surprisingly dreamy troll."
Key Figures Behind "Steps"
The film is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, with Tzue making her feature directorial debut. Ripa is known for co-directing Disney's "Raya and the Last Dragon." The production team includes notable figures such as Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing, all contributing under Poehler's Paper Kite Productions banner. Their collaboration aims to challenge entrenched perceptions of the stepsisters and highlight themes of sisterhood, redemption, and second chances.
Background and Development
"Steps" was first announced in March 2021, initially conceived as a musical. The project has undergone several years of development, navigating creative changes and production delays. The film's synopsis emphasizes a narrative that seeks to redefine the roles of the stepsisters, traditionally seen as antagonists. Instead, it presents them as characters deserving of empathy and understanding, reflecting a broader trend in storytelling that seeks to challenge conventional character labels.
Why It Matters
This film is part of Netflix's strategy to retell classic tales from unexpected perspectives, aiming to resonate with contemporary audiences. By focusing on the stepsisters' journey, "Steps" not only provides entertainment but also encourages viewers to reconsider their perceptions of villainy and redemption. The film's themes of belonging and identity are particularly relevant in today's cultural landscape, where narratives around misunderstood characters are increasingly prominent.
Official Statements & Responses
Co-director Alyce Tzue has expressed that the heart of the story lies in the relationship between the two sisters, emphasizing their shared experiences despite their differences. John Ripa praised Tzue's vision, noting that "Steps" carries a unique voice and artistic depth. Amy Poehler described the film as a "joyful and much-needed story," developed in collaboration with a diverse team of writers and animators.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Think you know Cinderella’s ‘evil’ stepsisters? Think again! When misunderstood Lilith (Ali Wong) is blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, she accidentally turns her sister Margot (Stephanie Hsu) into a frog and leaves the kingdom in the hands of a prince-obsessed mean girl. Now Lilith must team up with Cinderella (and a surprisingly dreamy troll) to save the kingdom, repair the fractured fairytale, and prove that even so-called villains deserve a shot at happily-ever-after.” — Netflix Logline
- “Co-director Ripa has praised Tzue’s vision, saying Steps carries a unique voice and artistic depth unlike anything he has worked on in his three-decade animation career.” — John Ripa, Co-Director
- “joyful and much-needed story,” — Amy Poehler, Producer
What's Next
As anticipation builds for "Steps," Netflix continues to develop its animated lineup for 2026, which includes other projects such as Skydance Animation’s "Swapped" and sequels to popular titles. The release of "Steps" is expected to contribute significantly to Netflix's expanding animation slate, following the success of films like "KPop Demon Hunters."
