Netflix has officially revealed new details for Steps, including fresh images, concept art, and its global release date of November 20, 2026. The announcement came as part of the platform’s major animation showcase at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, where Steps stood out as one of the most intriguing reimaginings of a classic fairy tale.
Positioned as a bold twist on the Cinderella story, Steps shifts the spotlight away from the familiar heroine and instead focuses on the often-overlooked stepsisters. With a strong voice cast and a creative team blending experience with fresh perspectives, the film is shaping up to be a key title in Netflix’s growing animation lineup.
A Fresh Take on a Familiar Fairy Tale
At its core, Steps flips expectations by reintroducing Cinderella’s “evil” stepsisters in a completely new light. The story follows Lilith and Margot, who are tired of living in Cinderella’s shadow and decide to take control of their own narrative.
According to the official synopsis, Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and disrupts the Royal Ball, unintentionally setting off a chain of events that leads to chaos across the kingdom. The situation worsens when a power-hungry villain seizes control, forcing Lilith to team up with Cinderella herself in order to fix what went wrong.
This unexpected alliance forms the emotional core of the story, blending adventure with a deeper exploration of relationships. Rather than a simple fairy tale retelling, Steps leans into themes of identity, belonging, and sisterhood.
The newly released images and concept art offer a look into the film’s vibrant and imaginative world. From magical interiors to chaotic action sequences involving trolls and enchanted forests, the visuals suggest a dynamic blend of fantasy and humor.
The film’s design appears to balance classic fairy tale aesthetics with a more modern and expressive animation style. Early looks also hint at high-energy set pieces, including chase sequences and magical confrontations, reinforcing that Steps is not just a character-driven story but also a full-scale adventure.
These visuals help establish the tone of the film, which mixes whimsical elements with emotional depth, setting it apart from more traditional retellings of Cinderella.
A Strong Creative Team and Cast
Steps is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, with a production team that includes Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing. Their combined experience brings both creative ambition and storytelling depth to the project.
The voice cast further elevates the film, with Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu leading as Lilith and Margot. Amanda Seyfried voices Cinderella, while Bette Midler takes on the Fairy Godmother, described as well-meaning but somewhat chaotic. Nikki Glaser joins as the film’s central antagonist, adding a sharp comedic edge to the villain role.
Director Alyce Tzue has emphasized that the story is ultimately about two very different sisters learning to understand each other, adding a personal and relatable layer beneath the fantasy elements.
