Steps introduces a new angle on the Cinderella myth, focusing on the stepsisters who rarely receive space beyond a familiar stereotype.
Netflix has released a first look at the 2026 animated feature, revealing its lead voice cast and the creative team behind the project. The film centers on Lilith and Margot, characters often labeled as villains, and reframes their story through humor, accident, and an unexpected journey toward repairing a fractured fairytale.
Directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, Steps marks a collaboration between filmmakers with distinct animation backgrounds. Tzue is known for her Student Academy Award–winning work, and Ripa previously co-directed Raya and the Last Dragon. The film is produced by Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing.
About Steps
The movie follows Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong, who is blamed for derailing the Royal Ball after mishandling a magic wand. In the chaos, she inadvertently transforms her sister Margot, voiced by Stephanie Hsu, into a frog. Their mistake leaves the kingdom in the hands of a prince-obsessed antagonist, prompting Lilith to join forces with Cinderella and an unexpected ally, a troll who plays a larger role in her journey, to set things right.
The premise reframes familiar fantasy elements while grounding the story in character conflict, sibling dynamics, and the consequences of a single moment spiraling out of control.
A cast led by Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu
Ali Wong voices Lilith, a character positioned between mischief and misunderstanding. Stephanie Hsu voices Margot, whose transformation becomes one of the film’s central plot turns. Their casting brings two performers known for precise comedic timing and strong character work, anchoring the film through tone and rhythm rather than leaning on traditional fairytale archetypes.
The direction of Steps
Tzue and Ripa approach the project from different vantage points: Tzue with a personal connection to stories about belonging, and Ripa with decades of experience in large-scale animation production. Their collaboration shapes the film’s structure around two sisters who move through the story with contrasting temperaments but a shared trajectory.
Both directors have spoken publicly about the film’s interest in characters who sit outside the expected fairytale mold. While the filmmaking process involves an experienced creative team, the narrative is grounded in emotional beats rather than broad adventure tropes.
Position within Netflix’s animated slate
Steps joins a lineup that includes a range of original features and well-established titles within the animation catalog. The slate spans Oscar-winning and Oscar-nominated films, comedies, genre-driven stories, and family-oriented titles.
KEY DETAILS
- Release date: 2026.
- Format: Animated feature film.
- Directors: Alyce Tzue and John Ripa.
- Producers: Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, Kim Lessing.
- Voice cast: Ali Wong (Lilith), Stephanie Hsu (Margot).
- Synopsis: A reimagining of the stepsisters’ story in which Lilith accidentally derails the Royal Ball and must work with Cinderella and a troll to restore the kingdom.
- Source material: Original story inspired by classic fairytale characters.