Netflix is putting a fresh spin on a classic story with its new animated feature, Steps, and it has found its Cinderella in a major star. The streaming giant has announced that Amanda Seyfried will lend her voice to the iconic princess in this upcoming film, which promises to turn the traditional fairy tale on its head.
Seyfried joins a stellar voice cast that includes Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu, who will portray the stepsisters, Lilith and Margot, respectively. The film is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, with a producing team that includes Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing. This casting news arrives as Seyfried continues to ride high from the success of last year's thriller The Housemaid, which co-starred Sydney Sweeney and became a box office hit, grossing nearly $400 million and already spawning a sequel.
A Modern Take on a Timeless Tale
So, what exactly is Steps about? Netflix's official synopsis suggests this won't be your grandmother's Cinderella. The story flips the script, asking audiences to reconsider the so-called "evil" stepsisters. When Lilith (Wong) is wrongly accused of causing chaos at the Royal Ball with a stolen wand, she accidentally transforms her sister Margot (Hsu) into a frog. This mishap leaves the kingdom vulnerable to a prince-obsessed antagonist.
To set things right, Lilith must form an unlikely alliance with Cinderella (Seyfried) and a "surprisingly dreamy troll" on a quest to save the realm and mend the fractured fairy tale. The plot promises a story where even perceived villains get a chance at their own happy ending.
Why Seyfried is the Perfect Cinderella
The film's directors are thrilled with their leading lady. In a statement, co-director Alyce Tzue praised Seyfried's ability to bring specificity and relatability to her roles, which was crucial for reimagining such a legendary character. "We wanted to create a modern heroine complete with flaws and coping mechanisms, and Amanda immediately understood the task," Tzue said. "Her portrayal of Cinderella is hilarious and heartbreaking and, most importantly, refreshingly human."
Co-director John Ripa also shared his enthusiasm, highlighting Seyfried's professional process. "Amanda has been an absolute joy to work with. She brings a level of experience and passion that inspires us to dig even deeper into the character," Ripa noted. "Her process of honing in on emotions, the control she has over her voice — it all comes together to give the classic character of Cinderella a depth and humor we could have never imagined."
This project marks an exciting new direction for Seyfried, who is not expected to return for The Housemaid's Secret, the upcoming sequel starring Sweeney and Kirsten Dunst. Instead, she's diving into the world of animation with a project that aims to subvert expectations. For fans of Seyfried's recent work, you can still catch her in the original The Housemaid, which has become a streaming juggernaut.
Netflix's Animated Ambitions
Steps is part of Netflix's continued investment in high-profile animated features, aiming to captivate both family and adult audiences with inventive storytelling. The streamer has found success with original animated films that offer new perspectives on familiar genres. This fairy tale reinvention joins a slate of anticipated projects, much like the buzz surrounding Jack Quaid's dream role in the upcoming BioShock film.
With its focus on misunderstood characters and a mission of redemption, Steps seems poised to be a perfect weekend watch for those who enjoy a clever twist on tradition. If you're looking for another Netflix fantasy to binge, you might also enjoy this cursed Netflix fantasy that's a perfect weekend binge.
The film is scheduled for release later this year. As Netflix continues to expand its original movie library with projects ranging from epic action like Extraction to reinvented classics, Steps stands out as a charming and humorous addition that could very well become a new animated favorite.
