Steps
Steps is a new animated film from Netflix, set to premiere in 2026.
The story re-imagines the “evil” stepsisters from Cinderella – rather than villains, they’re portrayed as misunderstood sisters whose misadventures (including one being turned into a frog) force them to team up with Cinderella and a dreamy troll to save the kingdom.
The movie re-imagines the “evil” stepsisters from the classic Cinderella story, focusing on sisters Lilith (Wong) and Margot (Hsu) – characters usually cast as villains – and treats them as misunderstood rather than purely evil.
The turning point comes when Lilith is accused of using a stolen magic wand to sabotage the Royal Ball. In the ensuing magical chaos, Lilith accidentally transforms Margot into a frog – and the kingdom falls under the influence of a selfish, prince-obsessed antagonist.
To set things right, Lilith is forced to join forces with Cinderella — and, surprisingly, a charming troll — embarking on a mission to rescue her sister, reclaim the kingdom, and “repair the fractured fairy tale.” Along the way, the film explores themes of redemption, sisterhood, identity, and the idea that being labelled a “villain” doesn’t define who you truly are.
The film is directed by Alyce Tzue (Student Academy Awards gold medal winner) and John Ripa (co-director of Raya and the Last Dragon)
Tzue explained that the step-sisters are portrayed as young Asian immigrants living in a fairytale kingdom, and their struggle to rise above the pressures around them and discover their true aspirations is a story that feels deeply personal. She added that, especially in a time when the Asian community faces painful acts of erasure, he feels profoundly grateful to create a project with a team that allows him to feel genuinely represented. ‘We can’t wait to share Steps with the world,’ she said.”
The film is voiced by Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu, and is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing. – promising a fun, heartfelt spin on the fairy tale that explores redemption, sisterhood and challenging old labels.
(Netflix 2026 release)
