Netflix’s new Cinderella-inspired film confirms Mamma Mia star as beloved heroine

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Amanda Seyfried has had a wonderfully diverse career, starting with memorable roles in films like Mean Girls and Mamma Mia, and including a fantastic, though often missed, performance in The Testament of Ann Lee. Now, she’s taking on the role of a truly iconic and beloved character.

I just heard some exciting news about a fresh take on Cinderella! Netflix is releasing an animated movie called ‘Steps,’ and it’s going to be told from the point of view of the stepsisters – Lilith and Margot, voiced by the hilarious Ali Wong and the fantastic Stephanie Hsu. And get this – Amanda Seyfried is lending her voice to Cinderella herself! It sounds like they’re really aiming to show a different side of the story, portraying the stepsisters as, well, misunderstood. I’m definitely intrigued!

The film, Steps, is scheduled for release in 2026. It will be directed by Alyce Tzue, a 2015 Student Academy Award gold medalist, and John Ripa, who co-directed Disney’s Raya and the Last Dragon.

Ever thought the stepsisters in Cinderella had a different side to their story? This retelling focuses on Lilith, who’s unfairly blamed when a magical mishap at the Royal Ball turns her sister Margot into a frog and puts the kingdom at the mercy of a prince-obsessed bully.

Tzue explained that Amanda Seyfried was cast because of her remarkable talent for creating characters that feel both unique and believable – a quality they felt was essential when portraying someone as iconic as Cinderella.

She explained that they aimed to create a Cinderella who felt real – someone with imperfections and ways of dealing with them. Amanda instantly grasped this vision, delivering a performance that’s both funny and deeply moving, and ultimately, wonderfully human. It’s a performance you definitely won’t want to skip.

I’ve been so impressed working with Amanda! She’s just a joy – her experience and passion are incredible, and she really pushes all of us to bring our best to the characters we’re creating. It’s truly inspiring!

The way she explores and expresses emotions, combined with her skillful use of voice, brings a surprising level of depth and humor to the familiar character of Cinderella.

Besides her part in The Testament of Ann Lee, Amanda Seyfried recently starred as Nina in the popular movie The Housemaid, and she’s hoping to play the character again in the next installment. She also appeared in the TV series Long Bright River.

When the project was first announced, Tzue told Tudum that the story of Steps is fundamentally about two sisters who seem very different – one who easily finds her place in a magical kingdom and one who doesn’t – ultimately discovering how much they actually have in common.

This story is deeply personal to me. As a somewhat awkward, creative kid growing up in suburban New Jersey, I often felt like I didn’t quite fit in and wondered if I’d ever find my own happy ending. I wanted to make a film for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider, to show them that even a small act of kindness can make a huge difference.

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Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona writes about films for TopMob, covering new releases in theaters and on streaming services. He’s been with the site since October 2019, and during that time, he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed all kinds of movies.

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2026-04-08 19:37