Netflix’s ‘Steps’ Gets a Magical New Trailer and Release Date

For generations, Cinderella’s stepsisters have been the fairy tale’s go-to villains: cruel, jealous, and destined to lose out on the glass slipper. Netflix’s upcoming animated film ‘Steps’ is set to give them a very different story.

The film is a big moment for Netflix Animation Studios. It’s reportedly the first film completed entirely by the studio from start to finish, and it’s being positioned as a major family release for Thanksgiving and the holiday season.

On October 15, Netflix released a new trailer for ‘Steps’, confirming that the film will premiere on the streamer on November 20. The trailer opens with a busy village square full of townsfolk calling out Cinderella’s name, establishing the familiar fairy-tale setting before turning it upside down.

The story centers on Lilith, a stepsister tired of living in Cinderella’s shadow. She steals the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and, with her sister Margot, hijacks the Royal Ball. The result breaks the classic story and hands the kingdom to a villainous schemer named Priscilla.

To fix what she broke, Lilith has to team up with Cinderella herself. Their quest includes fighting biker trolls, escaping henchmen, and making it through the Screaming Woods. Along the way, the mission becomes as much about repairing the sisters’ relationship as saving the kingdom. That emotional center gives a familiar story a fresh angle focused on family and feeling left out.

A new trailer for ‘STEPS’ has been released. Releasing on Netflix on November 20. https://t.co/TShufJKx4s

— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) October 15, 2026

The film has an impressive voice cast. Ali Wong voices Lilith, Stephanie Hsu plays Margot, and Amanda Seyfried voices Cinderella. Nikki Glaser plays Priscilla, while Daniel Radcliffe voices the Prince.

The ensemble also includes Young Mazino as Gef, Peter Dinklage as Roderick, described as a murderous man-nanny, Damian Priest as Cracktor, and Bette Midler as the Fairy Godmother. ‘Steps’ is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa. In an interview with Netflix Tudum, Tzue said, “I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong.”

Ripa described a similar goal for the characters. “Our goal was to break the fairy-tale mold by making every single character three-dimensional,” he explained, suggesting that even the villains will be more complex than usual.

Amy Poehler produces alongside Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing, with Poehler and Lessing producing through Paper Kite Productions. The screenplay is by Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Jen Chuck, Dana Schwartz and Felicia Ho. The story credit also includes Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci. With that many comedy writers involved, the film looks set to balance heartfelt moments with plenty of laughs.

The first trailer for ‘STEPS’ has been released. The film follows Cinderella’s evil stepsisters who are actually depicted as kind & misunderstood. Releasing November 20 on Netflix. https://t.co/tlh9ksPrhS

— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 17, 2026

Oscar winner Kris Bowers composed the music, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Bowers told Tudum that there are moments when “the score goes into this lush fairy-tale sound,” which suggests the film will honor the classic feel while subverting the story.

‘Steps’ runs 1 hour and 41 minutes and is rated PG, making it suitable for families watching over the holidays. The filmmakers previously presented it at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival.

Fairy-tale retellings from the villain’s point of view are nothing new, but ‘Steps’ looks like it has a lot going for it. A strong comedy cast, a thoughtful message about belonging and a story built around sisters give the familiar tale a modern twist. With its premiere coming just before Thanksgiving, ‘Steps’ could become one of Netflix’s biggest family titles of the season.

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