‘Steps’ Star Bette Midler Lights Up NYC Premiere Ahead Of Netflix Debut
Netflix Animation Studios has been actively redefining classic folklore for modern family audiences, assembling star-studded voice ensembles to turn time-honored fairy tales completely upside down. Among the streaming service’s most anticipated holiday releases is ‘Steps’, an inventive musical comedy that re-examines the timeless story of Cinderella from the perspective of her famously misunderstood stepsisters. With entertainment legend Bette Midler stepping into the fold as an eccentric Fairy Godmother, excitement has mounted steadily ahead of the project’s digital debut.
Directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, the animated adventure marks a landmark milestone as the first animated feature produced entirely in-house within Netflix Animation Studios. Produced by Amy Poehler alongside Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing for Paper Kite Productions, the story follows Lilith and Margot as they struggle under the shadow of their universally adored stepsister. When a chaotic magical mishap throws the entire kingdom into turmoil, an unexpected journey forces the fractured family to confront what truly binds them together.
Festivities for the ambitious holiday feature kicked off in spectacular fashion on Sunday night at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Midler lit up the festive purple carpet at the world premiere of ‘Steps’, captivating fans and photographers in an elegant, embroidered black coat dress. The screen icon posed effortlessly against the lush storybook backdrop, instantly stealing the spotlight and generating viral buzz across social media.
The 80-year-old screen icon was joined at the glamorous Manhattan premiere by an eclectic lineup of voice talent that mirrors the vibrant energy of the production. Leading cast members including Amanda Seyfried, Ali Wong, and Stephanie Hsu walked the carpet alongside fellow stars Daniel Radcliffe and Young Mazino to toast the film’s upcoming debut. For longtime fans, Midler’s commanding presence at the gala served as a delightful reminder of her enduring status as a bona fide Hollywood treasure.
In ‘Steps’, Midler takes on a character designed to subvert decades of fairytale convention. Instead of the gentle, flawless guardian seen in vintage adaptations, this particular Fairy Godmother brings a delightfully meddlesome temperament to the royal court. Her meticulous manipulation of Cinderella’s destiny unravels quickly when her wand is swiped, sparking a comical chain reaction that tests the limits of her magical patience.
That irreverent comedic tone runs throughout the wider cast, which also features Nikki Glaser as the villainous schemer Priscilla and Peter Dinklage as Roderick. Wong delivers a sharp vocal performance as the rebellious Lilith, while Seyfried balances humor and vulnerability as Cinderella. With the script tackling sibling rivalry through witty dialogue and rapid-fire banter, the narrative promises an entertaining examination of the true complexity of sisterhood.
As detailed on the official title page on Netflix, the original musical is scheduled to stream globally on November 20, 2026. Premiering just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday, the release is strategically positioned to capture family audiences seeking a clever spin on familiar mythical tropes. With buzz swelling following the glamorous New York celebration, Midler and company seem ready to deliver one of the most memorable animated outings of the season.
