Steps Animated Film Reimagines Cinderella’s Sisters
Netflix has shared a first look at its 2026 animated film, Steps, featuring the voices of Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu as Cinderella’s not-so-evil stepsisters.
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.
The upcoming film is directed by Alyce Tzue (Student Academy Awards gold medal winner) and John Ripa (co-director on Raya and the Last Dragon). The producers include Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing.
“This story is, at its core, about two very different sisters—one who fits perfectly into this fairytale kingdom and one who doesn’t—realizing they’re more alike than different,” said director Alyce Tzue.
“It’s such a personal story for me because, growing up as an awkward, artsy Taiwanese kid in suburban New Jersey, I often felt like an outsider, like ‘happily ever after’ wasn’t meant for me. I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong—and show how a single act of kindness can change everything.”
Director John Ripa added, “When I was introduced to Steps, I saw that it contained incredible artistry, beautiful storytelling, and most of all, that it had something important to say to the world. It’s like nothing else I’ve worked on in my 30-year career in animation.
“Steps also has an incredible first-time filmmaker in Alyce Tzue, who brings a totally unique voice and point of view. She’s championed this story about belonging that I’ve found to be both resonant and inspirational, and I feel privileged to be by her side on this journey.”
Steps is part of Netflix’s original slate of animated features, which includes the most popular Netflix film ever, KPop Demon Hunters; Academy Award-winner Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, and the Academy Award-nominated films Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, Nimona, The Sea Beast, The Mitchells vs. The Machines, Over the Moon, A Shaun the Sheep Movie: Farmageddon, and Klaus.
Also available on Netflix are the BAFTA-nominated Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget; the comedy fan favorites Leo and Back to the Outback; and recently released In Your Dreams.
