Netflix has unveiled the trailer for Steps, an animated fantasy-comedy that reimagines Cinderella’s story from the perspective of her supposedly evil stepsisters. The film is scheduled to premiere globally on Netflix on November 20, 2026, offering families a fresh fairy-tale adventure ahead of the holiday season.
The trailer promises a colorful, irreverent spin on the familiar story, with magic, comic mishaps and a kingdom in danger. Rather than making Cinderella the sole hero, the film explores the experiences of characters traditionally cast as villains.
According to Netflix, director Alyce Tzue says she wanted to challenge the usual fairy-tale perspective, asking, “Why didn’t they get the magic?” The story also emphasizes belonging, sisterhood and the idea that people are more complicated than they first appear.
Steps Cast, Plot and Production Details
Ali Wong voices Lilith, who steals the Fairy Godmother’s wand and disrupts the royal ball alongside her sister Margot, voiced by Stephanie Hsu. Their actions help villainous Priscilla, voiced by Nikki Glaser, seize power, forcing the sisters to team up with Cinderella, voiced by Amanda Seyfried, to save the kingdom.
The star-studded cast also includes Bette Midler as the Fairy Godmother and Daniel Radcliffe as the Prince. The adventure features biker trolls, dangerous henchmen and the mysterious Screaming Woods.
Cartoon Brew reports on the project’s animation and filmmaking team. Directed by Tzue and John Ripa, Steps is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing, with music and a distinctive visual style helping give the classic tale a contemporary makeover.
Steps Arrives as Netflix Faces Layoff Criticism
The trailer arrives as Netflix faces scrutiny following plans to eliminate approximately 1,000 jobs, or about 6% of its workforce. The cuts reportedly affect product, technology, legal and human-resources teams, raising questions about the company’s priorities as it continues investing in entertainment.
The layoffs come amid a competitive streaming landscape. Netflix has said it intends to prioritize resources while continuing to invest in areas it considers important to its business.
For families, Steps represents another major animated release from the streamer. For the animation industry, however, the contrast between an ambitious new film and widespread job cuts highlights ongoing concerns about employment and stability in entertainment.
