"Sometimes evil is just evil" - Netflix's new Cinderella adaptation Steps (2026) garners major backlash

Netflix
Netflix's Steps (Image via Netflix)

The announcement of Netflix's upcoming film, Steps (2026), a dark and radically modern adaptation of the Cinderella fairy tale, has sparked a social media firestorm, garnering major backlash for its alterations to the classic.

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Set for a 2026 release, the adaptation will stray from traditional themes and focus on the story of Cinderella's evil stepsisters. The debate centers on whether the new adaptation is making the stepsisters too sympathetic or too casually cruel, stripping the story of its clear good-versus-evil narrative.

One X user wrote:

"Sometimes evil is just evil. Not everything has to be "misunderstood." This thinking can lead to real danger. The anime series Frieren focused on this. The demons are irredeemable. Words are only tools to manipulate humans. Frieren knows this but others have to learn the hard way"
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More users shared:

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Many people are accusing the production of discarding the heartwarming elements of the beloved story for a grim, unnecessary revision. One X user wrote:

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Netflix's Steps (2026) cast, release, plot: Everything we know about the film so far

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Directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, the film will feature Ali Wong and Stephanie Hsu voicing Cinderella's stepsisters, Lilith and Margo, respectively.

The film revolves around Lilith, who is wrongly blamed for hijacking the Royal Ball using a stolen magic wand. In the ensuing panic, she accidentally turns her sister Margot into a frog, which allows a cruel, prince-obsessed mean girl to take over the kingdom.

To save the kingdom, Lilith is forced to team up with the classic heroine Cinderella and an unexpectedly dreamy troll, all while trying to prove that even the perceived villain deserves a chance at a happily ever after.

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While speaking with Netflix Tudum, the film’s director, Alyce Tzue, shared her personal motivation for bringing the classic fairy tale with a modern twist, stating:

"I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong — and show how a single act of kindness can change everything."

Director John Ripa also shared,

"When I was introduced to Steps, I saw that it contained incredible artistry, beautiful storytelling, and most of all, that it had something important to say to the world"
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He also praised Alyce Tzue, saying,

"Steps also has an incredible first-time filmmaker in Alyce Tzue, who brings a totally unique voice and point of view. She’s championed this story about belonging that I’ve found to be both resonant and inspirational, and I feel privileged to be by her side on this journey."

While the film is expected to release in 2026, several details are still kept under wraps.

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Stay tuned for more updates.

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Edited by Suchita Patnaha
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