Netflix's 'Steps' Reimagines Cinderella Through Her Stepsisters' Eyes

Netflix Animation Studios recently previewed their forthcoming animated film, 'Steps,' at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival's work-in-progress sessions. Directors Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, alongside art director Dan Casey and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi, offered an exclusive look into the six-year production journey of this unique take on the classic Cinderella narrative. The film, which will be available globally on Netflix later this year, shifts the focus to Cinderella's stepsisters, Lilith and Margot, exploring their perspectives and motivations within the familiar fairy tale.

The animated feature, greenlit in November 2020, reimagines the Cinderella story from the viewpoint of Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong, and Margot, portrayed by Stephanie Hsu. In this rendition, a discontented Lilith appropriates the Fairy Godmother's enchanted wand, leading to chaos at the Royal Ball. This event inadvertently paves the way for the tyrannical reign of Priscilla, voiced by Nikki Glaser, forcing Lilith to collaborate with Cinderella, voiced by Amanda Seyfried, on an adventurous quest to reclaim the kingdom. Their journey involves confronting formidable biker trolls and evading menacing henchmen through the perilous Screaming Woods, ultimately aiming to restore balance and redefine their destinies.

Breaking away from the traditional narrative, 'Steps' centers on an epic quest undertaken by the stepsisters to restore harmony to their realm and mend their strained relationship. As Ripa emphasized, the core message of the story is that everyone merits a joyful conclusion, not exclusively Cinderella. To craft this innovative adaptation, the creative team delved into the extensive history of the Cinderella tale, drawing inspiration from various global interpretations, including the ancient Greek story of Rhodopis. They meticulously integrated diverse elements from these sources while infusing their own original ideas into the timeless narrative.

The decision to spotlight Lilith and her sense of isolation was fundamental to the project, originating with Paper Kite Productions and resonating deeply with directors Tzue and Ripa. Tzue shared her personal connection to Lilith's character, identifying with the feeling of being overlooked and her passion for art. This personal resonance fueled the team's commitment to developing a complex and relatable Asian stepsister character.

The creators of 'Steps' approached character development and world-building with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in a distinct visual and narrative style. The film features unique characters, intricate settings, and an elaborate rococo aesthetic that deviates significantly from previous Cinderella adaptations, drawing parallels to the opulence seen in Sofia Coppola's 'Marie Antoinette.' The vocal performances by Wong and Seyfried were instrumental in shaping Lilith and Cinderella, respectively, with Wong bringing charismatic truthfulness to Lilith and Seyfried infusing Cinderella with profound humanity. Both actresses contributed significantly to portraying characters who ultimately share a common desire for affection and acceptance.

Expanding on character design, Figliozzi presented detailed animation tests that highlighted the extensive range of facial expressions and unique walk cycles developed for each character. These animations stretched the boundaries of form and shape to capture the diverse and vibrant personalities of the predominantly female cast. Beyond the central duo, the quirky stepsister Margot emerged as a particularly memorable character, whose animation proved to be a source of enjoyment for the animators. Similarly, the portrayal of the "evil" Priscilla, described humorously by Casey as a blend of Marie Antoinette and Paris Hilton, delighted the Annecy audience with her contemporary and hilarious antics, brought to life through spirited animation tests.

The film's vibrant visual landscape, particularly the kingdom of Alouette, draws inspiration from the colorful world of confectionery. By combining elements like espresso foam, blue gums, and chocolate, the team created a rich, bright realm that merges tactile textures with elegant clutter. Casey explained that every aspect of their world was designed to stimulate the senses, creating a delectable environment that fuses Eastern and Western influences. The stylized 3D animation further enhances this sensory experience, exploring touch and taste while embracing an exaggerated color palette and rococo decadence. Beyond Alouette, the team also showcased animation tests for the ominous Screaming Woods, inhabited by biker trolls riding moto-goats and terrifying insect-like mechanical creatures.

The development of 'Steps' spanned six years, a testament to the collaborative spirit and dedication of the entire production team. Ripa and Tzue reflected on the journey, emphasizing the importance of fostering a work environment where everyone felt a sense of belonging. They highlighted that teamwork and the celebration of animation as a collaborative art form were paramount throughout the process. Despite the challenges faced by various departments, the shared commitment and energy ultimately culminated in a film that they proudly described as a realization of their creative vision.

This upcoming animated feature is poised to offer a refreshing and imaginative interpretation of a beloved fairy tale, delving into themes of individuality, sisterhood, and the pursuit of one's own version of happiness, all wrapped in a visually stunning and creatively rich package, set to debut on Netflix in 2026.