Netflix Animation Studios has developed a Cinderella spin-off titled Steps, showing the two sisters in a different light and maybe not so evilly

(From L to R) Ali Wong; poster of Steps; Stephanie Hsu

We have heard and seen the story of Cinderella and her Prince Charming time and again. But what about her stepsisters? Were they actually evil, or were they just misunderstood? Netflix Animation Studios has developed a Cinderella spin-off titled Steps, showing the two sisters in a different light and maybe not so evilly.

Helmed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, the film will feature Ali Wong (Beef) and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once) voicing the lead characters.

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The official description of the film, as per Netflix, reads, “When misunderstood Lilith (Wong) is blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball with a stolen magic wand, she accidentally turns her sister Margot (Hsu) into a frog and allows the kingdom to fall into 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 fairy tale, and prove that even so-called villains deserve a shot at happily ever after.”

Steps is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing. Speaking about the film, Tzue said, “This story is, at its core, about two very different sisters—one who fits perfectly into this fairy tale kingdom and one who doesn’t—realising they’re more alike than different. 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.”

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Further, Ripa said, “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,” he says, adding, “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 set to premiere on Netflix in 2026.