Netflix's Steps Retells Cinderella From the Stepsisters' Side

Netflix's Steps puts the stepsisters at the centre of the Cinderella story, and it is due on Friday, Nov. 20. Hollywood Reporter describes it as a musical fantasy retelling, rated PG, with a running time of 1 hour 41 minutes.

The film follows Lilith, one of Cinderella's stepsisters, who is voiced by Ali Wong. Stephanie Hsu voices her sister Margot. Amanda Seyfried voices Cinderella herself. Bette Midler voices the Fairy Godmother, and Netflix says Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother's magic wand. Netflix's own description calls the film a "charmingly offbeat action comedy," and says Lilith must team up with Cinderella to fight biker trolls.

The voice cast goes further. Nikki Glaser plays Priscilla, and Peter Dinklage voices Roderick, the family butler. Gwendoline Yeo voices the dressmaker mother Li Mei, and Matt Lowe voices Edmund. Daniel Radcliffe, Young Mazino and Damian Priest are also in the cast, according to Hollywood Reporter.

Amy Poehler produces the film. Alyce Tzue and John Ripa are its co-directors. The story began with Riki Lindhome and Kate Micucci, the pair who make up the comedy music act Garfunkel and Oates. Five writers share the screenplay: Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Jen Chuck, Dana Schwartz and Felicia Ho.

Music is a large part of the project. Hollywood Reporter reported in October that Jennie, of the K-pop group BLACKPINK, will headline the soundtrack. Netflix has also named the story's setting as Alouette, in a trailer article published in October.

For viewers, the practical news is the date. A Netflix title that opens on a Friday gives subscribers a full weekend to watch, and the film lands in the run-up to the holiday season, when family viewing tends to rise. Netflix has not said how the film will be marketed beyond its trailer and cast announcements.

What stands out is the premise. Cinderella has been told from her point of view for generations, and this version gives the sisters the lead. The film's voice cast is built around well-known names, from Seyfried and Midler to Dinklage and Radcliffe, which means many families will recognise at least one voice before pressing play.

Steps is available to stream from Netflix on its release date, Friday, Nov. 20.