Steps: Netflix's Fresh Take on Cinderella's Sisters

Steps: Netflix's Fresh Take on Cinderella's Sisters - Animated Film Preview (2026)

Steps Is Bringing Cinderella’s Sisters Into the Spotlight With an Animated Film on Netflix

Steps Reimagines Cinderella’s Sisters in an Animated Film Coming to Netflix

Get your first look at Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong in this fresh spin on the classic fairy tale.

Dec. 8, 2025

A royal ball. A lost glass slipper. A magical midnight deadline.

These are staple elements of the Cinderella story that have enchanted fairy tale fans for years. Now, Steps from Netflix Animation Studios is presenting Cinderella’s not-so-evil stepsisters in a new light.

The new take, directed by Alyce Tzue (a gold medalist from the Student Academy Awards) and John Ripa (co-director of Raya and the Last Dragon), features Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) voicing the title sisters.

Scroll on for everything else to know about Steps.

What is Steps about?

Think you know Cinderella’s “evil” stepsisters? Think again. When misunderstood Lilith (Wong) is blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, she accidentally turns her sister Margot (Hsu) into a frog and allows the kingdom to fall into 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 fairy tale, and prove that even so-called villains deserve a shot at happily ever after.

Tzue emphasizes that the tale centers on two siblings with contrasting personalities. She told Netflix, “This story is, at its core, about two very different sisters — one who fits perfectly into this fairy tale kingdom and one who doesn’t — realizing they’re more alike than different. It’s a deeply personal project for me because, growing up as an awkward, artsy Taiwanese kid in suburban New Jersey, I often felt like an outsider, thinking ‘happily ever after’ wasn’t meant for me. I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt out of place — and show how a single act of kindness can change everything.”

The story is also what drew Ripa to Steps early on. “When I first encountered Steps, I saw incredible artistry, compelling storytelling, and, above all, a message that resonates with the world,” he says. “It’s unlike anything I’ve worked on in three decades in animation. Steps also marks a remarkable debut for Alyce Tzue, who brings a distinct voice and perspective. She’s championed a belonging-centered story that I find both meaningful and inspiring, and I’m honored to be part of her journey.”

Who is the team behind Steps?

In addition to Wong and Hsu voicing Cinderella’s sisters, and Tzue and Ripa directing, Steps is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing.

When is Steps released?

Steps will arrive on Netflix in 2026. Check back with Tudum for future updates.

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