What Is Steps, the New Netflix Film, About?

Netflix is giving one of the world’s most famous fairy tales a magical makeover with Steps, a brand-new animated film that puts a fresh spin on the classic Cinderella story. But this time, the spotlight isn’t just on the princess – it’s on the stepsisters, too.

Produced by Netflix Animation Studios, Steps explores what really happened behind the familiar fairy tale, challenging everything audiences thought they knew about Cinderella and her so-called evil stepsisters.

A Fresh Take on the Cinderella Story

Directed by Alyce Tzue, a Student Academy Award gold medal winner, and John Ripa (Raya and the Last Dragon), Steps reimagines the traditional good-versus-bad dynamic by giving Cinderella’s stepsisters, Lilith and Margot, their own stories.

Amanda Seyfried voices Cinderella, while Ali Wong plays Lilith and Stephanie Hsu voices Margot. Rather than simply portraying the sisters as villains, the film explores their experiences, relationships and the reasons behind their actions.

Explaining the inspiration behind the story, director Alyce Tzue says: “I wanted to flip the fairy tale that usually focuses on the protagonist who gets the magic, and put that lens on these Asian sisters, who resonated with me, and ask, ‘Why didn’t they get the magic?’” (Quote: Netflix)

The adventure brings Lilith and Margot together with Cinderella, with one important fairy-tale mission still at the centre of the story: getting the glass slipper onto the right foot.

At its heart, however, Steps is about family, understanding and finding where you belong. As Tzue explains: “This story is, at its core, about very different sisters realizing that they’re more alike than different,” (Quote: Netflix).

She adds: “I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong.” (Quote: Netflix)

A Star-Studded Voice Cast

Alongside Wong, Seyfried and Hsu, Steps features an impressive collection of Hollywood talent.

Daniel Radcliffe voices the Prince, who is determined to find true love despite his parents’ attempts to rush him into marriage. Producer Jane Hartwell explains the importance of keeping the romance and magic of the original fairy tale alive, saying: “It was important to us that we retain a true fairy tale,” (Quote: Netflix).

She continues: “Daniel plays the Prince in such a charming way that you can believe Cinderella falls in love with him in such a short amount of time.” (Quote: Netflix)

The wider cast includes Nikki Glaser as Priscilla, a scheming bully determined to take control of the kingdom, and Young Mazino as Gef, an unexpected heartthrob.

Peter Dinklage voices Roderick, Priscilla’s murderous manny, while WWE Superstar Damian Priest takes on the role of Cracktor, a troll overlord.

Director John Ripa is delighted with the talent involved, saying: “Having this cast is a dream come true. Each one of them has influenced their characters in a really great way,” (Quote: Netflix).

He also describes the opportunity to bring something new to the much-loved story as an honour: “Getting a chance to add to this legacy and say something that is very current for today was an honor.” (Quote: Netflix)

Bette Midler Gets a New Fairy Godmother Makeover

One of the most exciting casting choices is the legendary Bette Midler as the Fairy Godmother.

However, audiences shouldn’t necessarily expect the traditional sweet and perfectly organised magical helper. This version comes with her own personality, ambitions and imperfections.

Midler describes her character as someone who means well but isn’t quite as straightforward as the familiar version.

“The beloved Fairy Godmother, the wholesome Fairy Godmother — the one with all the good intentions — has been around for a long, long time. This particular version of the Fairy Godmother has good intentions, but she’s a little bit of a bumbler, and she’s a little bit of a schemer,” says Midler. (Quote: Netflix)

She also hints that the character has plenty going on beyond helping others find their happily ever after.

“A lot of her story is tempered by the fact that she has other needs and desires. She does have a life of her own, and excuse me, while I live my life.” (Quote: Netflix)

What Is the Message Behind Steps?

While Steps promises plenty of fairy-tale magic, comedy and adventure, its central message is about looking beyond appearances and recognising that people are rarely as simple as they first seem.

By giving the traditionally villainous stepsisters a chance to tell their side of the story, the film challenges the idea that characters must be entirely good or entirely evil.

Producer Kim Lessing sums up the film’s message: “We hope that audiences will come away with the idea that no one is completely good or completely evil,” (Quote: Netflix).

She continues: “Once you get past the surface, you’ll realize we’re all nuanced, strange people who deserve a happily ever after.” (Quote: Netflix)

Steps Soundtrack and Release Date

The magic doesn’t stop with the animation and voice cast. Steps also features brand-new music from JENNIE, Rose Gray, EMEI and Amanda Seyfried, with the songs written and produced by Justin Tranter.

The film’s original score is composed by Academy Award winner Kris Bowers.

Produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing, Steps promises a fresh, music-filled adventure that revisits a familiar fairy tale from an entirely different perspective.

The official trailer is available to watch now, with Steps arriving on Netflix on 20 November.

Whether you’re a lifelong Cinderella fan or simply love an animated adventure with a twist, this new film is set to show that there is always more to a fairy tale than meets the eye.

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