Netflix is expanding its animation slate with a subversive twist on one of the world’s most enduring fairytales. The streaming giant has announced that Amanda Seyfried to voice Cinderella in Netflix’s ‘Steps’, an upcoming original animated feature that shifts the spotlight away from the traditional protagonist to explore the lives of her supposedly “evil” stepsisters.
The film, scheduled to stream later this year, departs from the classic narrative by reimagining the dynamics of the royal household. In this version, the story centers on the misunderstood stepsister Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong, and her sister Margot, voiced by Stephanie Hsu. Together, they navigate a world where the lines between villainy and heroism are blurred, challenging the notion of who deserves a “happily-ever-after.”
The production brings together a high-profile creative team, including producers Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing. Poehler and Lessing are producing the project under their Paper Kite Productions banner, a studio known for blending sharp comedy with heartfelt storytelling. The film is co-directed by John Ripa, who previously served as a co-director on Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon, and Alyce Tzue, a Student Academy Award winner.
A subversion of the fairytale trope
While Cinderella remains a central figure, Steps functions as a character study of the women usually cast as the antagonists. The plot follows Lilith, who finds herself blamed for chaos at the Royal Ball after a stolen magic wand is used to disrupt the festivities. The accident takes a surreal turn when Lilith inadvertently transforms her sister, Margot, into a frog.
This catalyst leaves the kingdom vulnerable to the influence of a prince-obsessed “mean girl,” forcing an unlikely alliance. To restore order and repair the fractured fairytale, Lilith must partner with Cinderella and a “surprisingly dreamy troll.” The narrative arc focuses on proving that those labeled as villains often possess a depth and desire for redemption that the traditional story ignores.
Bringing a “refreshingly human” Cinderella
The casting of Amanda Seyfried is intended to ground the legendary character in a more modern, relatable reality. The directors have emphasized that this version of Cinderella is not a flawless archetype, but a woman with her own set of coping mechanisms and imperfections.
“Amanda has this incredible ability to craft her characters specific and relatable, and we absolutely needed that when taking on a character that’s as legendary as Cinderella,” director Alyce Tzue said. “We wanted to create a modern heroine complete with flaws and coping mechanisms, and Amanda immediately understood the task. Her portrayal of Cinderella is hilarious and heartbreaking and, most importantly, refreshingly human. You won’t seek to miss it.”
John Ripa echoed these sentiments, noting that Seyfried’s vocal control and emotional range added a layer of complexity to the role that the production team had not previously envisioned. “She brings a level of experience and passion that inspires us to dig even deeper into the character,” Ripa said. “Her process of honing in on emotions, the control she has over her voice – it all comes together to give the classic character of Cinderella a depth and humor we could’ve never imagined.”
Themes of belonging and identity
Beyond the comedic elements of frog transformations and royal balls, Steps is rooted in the personal experience of its creators. For Alyce Tzue, the film is an exploration of the feeling of alienation and the struggle to fit into a world with rigid expectations of success and beauty.
Tzue connected the film’s core conflict—the divide between a sister who fits into the fairytale kingdom and one who does not—to her own upbringing as a Taiwanese-American in suburban Modern Jersey. She described herself as an “awkward, artsy” child who often felt that the promise of a “happily ever after” was not designed for people like her.
“I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong – and present how a single act of kindness can change everything,” Tzue noted. This thematic focus suggests that the film aims to move beyond a simple parody, instead offering a commentary on inclusivity and the courage required to be an outsider.
Production Overview
| Role/Position | Personnel |
|---|---|
| Voice of Cinderella | Amanda Seyfried |
| Voice of Lilith | Ali Wong |
| Voice of Margot | Stephanie Hsu |
| Directors | Alyce Tzue & John Ripa |
| Production Studio | Paper Kite Productions |
| Release Window | Late 2025/2026 |
As Netflix continues to diversify its animated offerings, Steps represents a broader trend in the industry toward “fractured fairytales”—stories that dismantle established myths to find more nuanced truths about family and identity. By pairing the comedic timing of Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu with the dramatic weight of Amanda Seyfried, the film is positioned to appeal to both children and adults who grew up with the original story.
Netflix has not yet released a specific date for the premiere, but the film is expected to arrive on the platform later this year. Further details regarding the full voice cast and a teaser trailer are anticipated in the coming months.
Do you think it’s time for a Cinderella reboot? Share your thoughts in the comments or join the conversation on social media.
