Jennie to Lead Soundtrack for Netflix's Animated Feature 'Steps'
Blackpink's Jennie is taking center stage in the musical landscape of Netflix's forthcoming animated movie, 'Steps.' Her leading contribution, 'Someone to Hold,' will be part of a soundtrack meticulously crafted by the renowned songwriter and producer, Justin Tranter. This vibrant collection of songs, alongside a captivating score by Kris Bowers, aims to elevate the film's narrative, offering a fresh auditory experience to complement the animated adventure.
K-Pop Sensation Jennie Joins Forces with Netflix for 'Steps' Soundtrack, Featuring an All-Star Musical Lineup
On October 15, 2026, Netflix officially unveiled the comprehensive soundtrack for its eagerly anticipated animated comedy adventure, 'Steps.' The centerpiece of this musical ensemble is 'Someone to Hold,' a brand new track performed by Jennie, the globally recognized artist and member of the K-pop sensation Blackpink. This marks Jennie's inaugural foray into contributing a lead song for an animated feature film, a venture she expressed great enthusiasm for, citing the characters' compelling personalities and the enjoyable creative process.
The entire soundtrack boasts the songwriting and production prowess of Justin Tranter, a celebrated figure in the music industry. Beyond Jennie's electrifying contribution, the album will feature an additional three original songs. Audiences can anticipate vocal performances from an impressive roster of talent, including Academy Award nominee Amanda Seyfried, the soulful Rose Gray, and the dynamic Emei. Complementing these vocal tracks will be an original score composed by the accomplished Kris Bowers, known for his evocative musical narratives.
Tranter enthusiastically characterized Jennie's track as an embodiment of 'pure danceable joy,' drawing inspiration from classic dance-pop genres. He further detailed the diverse musical palette of the soundtrack: Emei's song, 'The Understudy,' is described as an 'underdog anthem,' while Gray's 'Meet Me on the Dance Floor' promises to be an electro-dance-pop villain's anthem. Amanda Seyfried's contribution, 'Smile and a Song,' is pegged as an 'old school musical theater banger.' Tranter emphasized that the multifaceted storyline of 'Steps' provided a rich canvas for a wide array of vocal styles and sonic textures, with dance music serving as the unifying thread throughout the soundtrack.
The announcement of the soundtrack coincided with the release of the film's official trailer, offering a tantalizing glimpse into the animated world of 'Steps' and including a preview of Jennie's new song. The film's premise offers a clever reinterpretation of the classic Cinderella tale, focusing on her often-maligned stepsisters. The narrative follows Lilith (voiced by Ali Wong) as she, weary of being overshadowed by Cinderella, absconds with the Fairy Godmother's (Bette Midler) magic wand and disrupts the Royal Ball. This act inadvertently plunges the kingdom into the tyrannical grip of Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), a cunning schemer who seizes power. Consequently, Lilith must forge an unlikely alliance with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) to confront formidable biker trolls, evade malevolent henchmen, and navigate the perilous Screaming Woods on an epic quest. Their ultimate mission is not only to rescue the kingdom from impending doom but, more profoundly, to mend their fractured relationship. Both the film 'Steps' and its accompanying soundtrack are slated for a global release on November 20th.
This collaboration between a global music icon like Jennie and a major streaming platform like Netflix for an animated feature is a testament to the increasing cross-pollination of entertainment industries. It highlights how popular music artists can significantly enhance the appeal and reach of cinematic projects, particularly in the animated genre. Furthermore, the diverse musical styles promised by a seasoned producer like Justin Tranter, coupled with the talent of artists such as Amanda Seyfried, Rose Gray, and Emei, suggests a rich and varied auditory experience. This approach not only caters to a broad audience but also demonstrates a commitment to high-quality, original musical content in children's and family entertainment. The reimagined narrative of Cinderella's stepsisters also offers a fresh perspective on a classic tale, inviting audiences to reconsider familiar stories through a new lens, emphasizing themes of redemption, collaboration, and self-discovery rather than simple good versus evil.
