Netflix's upcoming Cinderella reimagining, Steps, is taking a bold new direction—and it's drawing inspiration from some unexpected sources. In a recent interview with Collider, the film's directors revealed that Tom Cruise's relentless work ethic and the sci-fi classic The Terminator played pivotal roles in shaping the movie's tone and action sequences.
According to the directors, they wanted to break away from traditional fairy-tale conventions and infuse Steps with a gritty, modern edge. "We looked at how Tom Cruise approaches his stunts—the physicality, the commitment—and thought, 'That's how our Cinderella should move,'" they explained. This influence is evident in the film's high-octane chase scenes and hand-to-hand combat, which borrow from Cruise's signature intensity in franchises like Mission: Impossible.
But the biggest surprise? The directors cited James Cameron's The Terminator as a key reference for the film's visual style and pacing. "The relentless pursuit in The Terminator—that unstoppable force—inspired the step-sisters' dynamic," they said. "We wanted that same sense of dread and urgency." The result is a Cinderella who doesn't just wait for a prince but fights back with resourcefulness and grit.
This isn't your grandmother's fairy tale. Steps reimagines the classic story with a darker, more action-oriented lens, blending fantasy with real-world stakes. The directors emphasized that the glass slipper still plays a role, but it's now a weapon in a larger battle for survival. "It's about reclaiming your own story," they added.
Netflix has been doubling down on bold reimaginings, and Steps fits perfectly into their strategy of reinventing beloved IPs. For more on what's streaming, check out our Weekend Watchlist: 3 Must-See Netflix Movies for June 27-28.
The film also draws from the directors' love of practical effects, a nod to the pre-CGI era of The Terminator. "We wanted the action to feel visceral, not just digital," they said. This approach gives Steps a raw, grounded quality that sets it apart from other fantasy adaptations.
As Netflix continues to expand its library of original films, Steps is poised to be a standout. For fans of action-packed fairy tales or anyone curious about how Tom Cruise and a cyborg assassin can inspire a princess story, this is one to watch. The film is set to premiere later this year, and early buzz suggests it could be a sleeper hit.
In a landscape where Netflix has turned Harlan Coben's books into a streaming juggernaut, Steps represents another creative gamble. But with influences this eclectic, it might just pay off.
