Netflix’s long-awaited animated musical Steps is finally back in the spotlight—five years after its initial announcement. With its first official look now revealed and two major casting confirmations, the buzz around the 2026 Netflix animated movie is stronger than ever. Produced by comedy legend Amy Poehler, Steps reimagines Cinderella’s so-called “evil” stepsisters in a brand-new, heartwarming, and humorous light.
Slated for a global Netflix release in 2026, Steps is being crafted inside Netflix Animation Studio and brings a refreshing twist to one of the world’s most iconic fairy tales. But this time, the spotlight moves away from Cinderella and shines on the sisters we thought we knew.
A New Twist on Cinderella: What Is Netflix’s Steps About?
Steps turns the classic Cinderella story upside down, transforming the “evil stepsisters” into misunderstood young women who finally get their chance to shine. The film mixes musical comedy, fantasy adventure, and touching character drama to create a fairytale story with a modern message.
The official synopsis sets the tone perfectly:
When Lilith is unfairly blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball using a stolen magic wand, she accidentally transforms her sister Margot into a frog. With the kingdom now in the hands of a cruel, prince-obsessed girl, Lilith joins forces with Cinderella and an unexpectedly handsome troll to restore order, fix her broken fairytale, and show the world that even so-called villains deserve a happily-ever-after.
This refreshing take promises humor, magic, emotional depth, and a strong message about identity, self-worth, and second chances—themes that resonate strongly with today’s audiences.
Why Steps Took 5 Years to Return to the Spotlight
The film was first revealed in March 2021 as a musical in development at Netflix Animation. Since then, it went through an extensive production process involving revisions, musical development, story retuning, and animation refinement.
Projects of this scale often undergo years of development, and Steps is no exception. The long wait suggests Netflix is aiming for something high-quality, emotionally impactful, and visually impressive, much like their previous animated hits such as Klaus, Leo, and The Sea Beast.
Now, with the first look out and production nearing completion, Steps is officially shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest animated films of 2026.
Amy Poehler Returns as Producer on a Heartfelt Story
Steps is produced by a talented team led by Amy Poehler, along with Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing, under Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions banner. From the beginning, Poehler championed the movie’s message of joy, empowerment, and perspective.
Poehler originally said she was excited to bring a story “joyful and much-needed,” and the latest updates confirm that Steps aims to deliver a meaningful narrative wrapped in humor and magic.
Directed by Visionary Filmmakers Alyce Tzue & John Ripa
Steps marks a major moment for director Alyce Tzue, known for her award-winning short film Soar. Tzue brings a highly personal touch to the story, sharing that her own experiences as an outsider inspired the themes of the movie.
She shared:
“This story is, at its core, about two very different sisters realizing they’re more alike than different. Growing up as an awkward, artsy Taiwanese kid in suburban New Jersey, I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong—and show how kindness can change everything.”
Co-director John Ripa, known for Raya and the Last Dragon and decades of work at Disney, praised Tzue’s vision and the film’s emotional depth.
Together, the duo brings a mix of emotional storytelling, artistic animation, and blockbuster experience.
Ali Wong & Stephanie Hsu Lead the Voice Cast of Steps
Netflix has secured two powerhouse talents for the lead roles:
💠 Ali Wong as Lilith
The misunderstood stepsister at the heart of the chaos. Known for Beef and Always Be My Maybe, Wong brings emotional range, comedic timing, and strong personality—a perfect fit for a character navigating mishaps, magic, and self-discovery.
💠 Stephanie Hsu as Margot
Academy Award-nominated for Everything Everywhere All At Once, Hsu plays Margot, Lilith’s sister—at least when she’s not transformed into a frog. Her expressive voice and dramatic versatility will bring humor and heart to the role.
With these two together, Steps already promises a dynamic, comedic, and emotionally rich sister duo.
Steps and Netflix’s Growing 2026 Animated Slate
The animated film landscape for 2026 is still taking shape, but Netflix is building a strong lineup. Confirmed animated titles for next year include:
- Swapped — a Skydance Animation project coming earlier in 2026
- Ray Gunn — the new film from Brad Bird (The Incredibles, Ratatouille)
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines 2 — highly anticipated sequel in development
- Ghostbusters animated universe films
- A follow-up to Leo
- K-Pop Demon Hunters 2 — sequel to the 2025 breakout hit
- A new Chris Williams project
- Multiple Skydance Animation films through Netflix’s partnership
Amid this slate, Steps stands out as Netflix’s major homegrown fairy-tale musical, likely aiming to compete with theatrical animation from studios like Disney, DreamWorks, and Illumination.
Why Steps Could Become One of Netflix’s Biggest Animated Hits
Here’s why Steps is generating so much early hype:
✨ 1. A Unique Fairytale Perspective
Retelling iconic stories from the “villain’s” viewpoint (like Maleficent) has proven highly successful.
✨ 2. Musical Comedy Appeal
Family-friendly musicals with humor (like Encanto and Tangled) often achieve huge popularity and longevity.
✨ 3. Strong Cast & Directors
Ali Wong, Stephanie Hsu, and experienced animation directors give the film major credibility.
✨ 4. Universal Themes
Identity, kindness, sibling relationships, belonging—these resonate across generations.
✨ 5. Netflix’s Global Reach
A 190+ country release ensures massive visibility, making Steps a potential worldwide hit.
Final Thoughts: Steps Is One of Netflix’s Most Promising 2026 Releases
From its emotional story and heartfelt themes to its impressive cast and creative team, Steps is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest animated movies of 2026. With its first look now out, excitement is growing for what promises to be a funny, magical, and uplifting musical adventure.
As production continues and Netflix reveals more details, fans can expect trailers, songs, and more casting updates in the coming months.
Stay tuned—we’ll keep you updated on every announcement regarding Netflix’s Steps (2026).
