Award-winning comedian and actress Nikki Glaser has been officially announced as a voice cast member for Netflix’s upcoming original animated feature, Steps. Glaser will lend her voice to the character of Priscilla, a pivotal villain within the reimagined Cinderella fairytale. This announcement marks a significant addition to an already star-studded ensemble, which includes Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried, Stephanie Hsu, and Bette Midler. The film, slated for release later this year, promises a fresh perspective on the classic story, shifting the focus to the supposedly "evil" stepsisters.
A Villainous Twist on a Timeless Tale
Steps is set to subvert traditional fairytale narratives by centering on the machinations of Cinderella’s stepsisters, Lilith and Margot, who are tired of living in the shadow of their more famous sibling. The plot unfolds as Lilith, voiced by Ali Wong, orchestrates a daring heist of the Fairy Godmother’s (Bette Midler) magic wand. This act of defiance propels them to hijack the Royal Ball, thereby disrupting the established Cinderella narrative and plunging the kingdom into a new era of tyranny under the iron fist of Priscilla.
Nikki Glaser’s character, Priscilla, is described as a "villainous schemer who will stop at nothing to control everyone around her." Her ascent to power is swift, as she "swoops in and snatches the throne," effectively dooming the kingdom to her oppressive rule. This setup necessitates an unlikely alliance between Lilith and Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) as they embark on a perilous quest. Their mission involves confronting biker trolls, evading malevolent henchmen, and navigating the treacherous Screaming Woods. The overarching goal is not only to save the kingdom but also, and perhaps more importantly, to mend their fractured relationship.
Glaser’s Cathartic Take on the Role
Nikki Glaser, who has garnered nominations for Emmy, Grammy, and Golden Globe awards for her work in comedy and acting, expressed her enthusiasm for portraying Priscilla. She described the experience as a "cathartic joy," offering a humorous and insightful perspective on her character. "The jealous, try-hard, wannabe Princess, who’s fueled by deep-seated insecurities of unlovability and inadequacy," Glaser stated, "This role was quite a stretch for me because these are all characteristics that I do not at all relate to as a woman who has spent two decades clawing my way through show business." This self-deprecating remark highlights Glaser’s comedic sensibilities while also hinting at the depth and complexity she aims to bring to the villainous role. Her interpretation suggests that Priscilla’s villainy might stem from relatable human flaws, albeit amplified to a degree fitting for a fairytale antagonist.
A Stellar Voice Ensemble
The casting of Steps brings together a formidable group of talent. Ali Wong, known for her sharp wit and stand-up specials, voices Lilith, one of the stepsisters. Amanda Seyfried, an acclaimed actress with a diverse filmography, takes on the role of Cinderella herself. Stephanie Hsu, who has gained significant recognition for her role in "Everything Everywhere All at Once," portrays Margot, the other stepsister. Bette Midler, a legendary entertainer and actress, adds her iconic voice to the Fairy Godmother, promising a magical and potentially mischievous presence. The synergy between these established stars is anticipated to be a significant draw for audiences, offering a fresh and dynamic interpretation of familiar characters.
Netflix Animation’s Ambitious In-House Production
Steps represents a significant milestone for Netflix Animation Studios as it is the first feature film to be fully produced in-house. This move signals Netflix’s increasing commitment to developing its own original animated content, aiming to compete with established animation powerhouses. The studio’s investment in this project underscores its strategy to leverage its vast platform and resources to create high-quality, original animated features.
The film is helmed by a talented directorial duo. Alyce Tzue, a recipient of the prestigious Student Academy Award, makes her feature directorial debut alongside John Ripa, who brings his co-directing experience from Disney’s critically acclaimed "Raya and the Last Dragon." This pairing suggests a blend of fresh, innovative vision with seasoned storytelling expertise.
The production team is equally impressive, with Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing serving as producers. Poehler and Lessing are producing under the banner of Paper Kite Productions, Poehler’s production company, which has been responsible for acclaimed projects like "Moxie" and "Inside Out." This association hints at a commitment to character-driven storytelling and a touch of comedic flair.
The screenplay is credited to a collaborative team of writers: Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Jen Chuck, Dana Schwartz, and Felicia Ho. The original story, from which the screenplay is derived, was conceived by Tramer, Madejski, Schwartz, Ho, Riki Lindhome, and Kate Micucci, a group that includes established comedians and writers, further reinforcing the film’s comedic and inventive potential. The collective creative forces behind Steps suggest a meticulously crafted narrative with a unique comedic voice and a visually engaging presentation.
Background and Context of Animated Fairytale Reimagining
The trend of reimagining classic fairytales, particularly through animation, has seen a resurgence in recent years. Films like Disney’s live-action remakes and independent animated features have explored familiar stories from new angles, often focusing on character development and modernizing themes. Steps aligns with this broader cultural movement, offering a feminist perspective by centering the narrative on the often-maligned stepsisters and questioning the conventional portrayal of villains.
The success of animated features that offer diverse and inclusive storytelling, such as "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" and "Encanto," has demonstrated a strong audience appetite for originality and fresh takes on established genres. Netflix’s investment in Steps is likely a strategic response to these market trends, aiming to capture a global audience with a story that is both familiar and groundbreaking.
The decision to place the "villainous" characters at the forefront allows for a deeper exploration of their motivations and complexities. Instead of a one-dimensional portrayal, the audience may witness the circumstances that lead to their actions, potentially fostering empathy and a more nuanced understanding of morality within the fairytale context. This approach can resonate with contemporary audiences who often appreciate stories that challenge simplistic good-versus-evil dichotomies.
Timeline and Production Insights
While specific production timelines for animated films are often kept under wraps until closer to release, the announcement of the full voice cast and directorial team suggests that Steps is well into its production cycle. Animated features typically involve extensive pre-production, voice recording, animation, and post-production phases, which can span several years. The fact that Netflix is promoting the film for release "later this year" indicates a mature stage of development.
The involvement of John Ripa, who co-directed "Raya and the Last Dragon," suggests a commitment to high-quality animation and visual storytelling. This Disney animated feature, released in 2021, was praised for its stunning visuals, intricate world-building, and compelling character arcs. Audiences can likely anticipate a similar level of visual artistry and narrative depth in Steps.
Furthermore, the choice to produce the film entirely in-house at Netflix Animation Studios allows for greater creative control and integration of the animation pipeline with the streaming platform’s distribution strategy. This vertical integration could streamline production and ensure a cohesive vision from conception to release.
Broader Impact and Implications
The release of Steps has several potential implications for the animation industry and the streaming landscape. For Netflix, a successful animated feature produced entirely in-house could solidify its position as a major player in original animation, potentially drawing more talent and resources to its burgeoning animation division. This could lead to a more robust pipeline of animated content across various genres and demographics.
The film’s unconventional narrative approach, focusing on the "villains," could also influence future fairytale adaptations and animated storytelling. By offering a fresh perspective on a universally recognized story, Steps has the potential to inspire a new wave of creative reinterpretations that challenge traditional archetypes and explore more complex character motivations.
Moreover, the film’s ensemble cast, featuring prominent comedians and actors, is likely to attract a wide audience. The combination of a well-known story, a star-studded cast, and a modern, subversive twist positions Steps as a potential tentpole release for Netflix, contributing to its subscriber engagement and content library. The film’s success could also pave the way for further in-house animated productions from Netflix, potentially altering the competitive dynamics within the animation production and distribution sectors. The broader impact of Steps will hinge on its critical reception and audience engagement, but its ambitious premise and talented creative team signal a significant entry into the animated feature film arena.
