Opening Annecy’s 2026 work-in-progress sessions, where both animation fans and curious professionals get a glimpse of the animated features of tomorrow, Netflix Animation Studios unveiled “Steps” in an in-depth behind-the-scenes session filled with delightful insights, humor and stunning visuals.

On stage, directors Alyce Tzue, John Ripa, art director Dan Casey and head of character animation Jason Figliozzi walked a captivated audience into the six-year journey that has been “Steps,” a Netflix original made with teams between Burbank, Sydney and Vancouver.

Greenlit in November 2020, this original spin on the known fairy tale puts the focus on Litith (Alli Wong), Cinderella’s step-sister, voiced by (Amanda Seyfried). Tired of living in Cinderella’s shadow, Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s (Bette Midler) magic wand and hijacks the Royal Ball with her sister, Margot (Stephanie Hsu). This dooms the kingdom to the tyrannical rule of the villainous Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), who swoops in and snatches the throne. Now, Lilith must team up with Cinderella to fight biker trolls, outrun evil henchmen, and escape the Screaming Woods.

Breaking with the Cinderella story as we know it, they go on an epic quest to save the kingdom, and their relationship.

“At the core of our story,” underlined Ripa, “is the strong belief that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Not just Cinderella.”

Yet to prepare their film, the team dove into the rich and diverse history of this fairy tale, way beyond the Disney classic. “The history of Cinderella actually goes back to Ancient Greece and the story of Rhodopis, a Greek slave who marries the King of Egypt. There have been many other iterations since then, and we took a bit for each while adding our very own elements to this timeless tale.”

Turning Cinderella’s tale upside down and focusing on Lilith and her feeling of alienation was always what drove the teams, first at Paper Kite Productions (who brought the script to Netflix), then for Alyce Tzue, John Ripa and their teams. “I was that overlooked kid,” added Tzue. “I was always a quiet little girl that loved to draw, and I did feel that I never belonged. This story of an Asian step-sister who felt alienated is definitely something I related to on many levels.”

Building a twist on known characters one step at a time

To build what looks like a quite unique approach on the well-known story, “Steps” team created both distinctive characters, memorable settings and a very special, elaborate rococo style which has more to do with Coppola’s “Marie-Antoinette” than with Disney’s take on Cinderella.

“Our characters are infused with the actresses who portray them,” added Ripa. “Wong played an essential role in bringing Lilith to this charismatic truth teller, and Seyfried brought such a sense of humanity to Cinderella. In the end, both characters want the same thing: to be loved.”

Expanding on character design, Jason Figliozzi unveiled detailed animation tests, showcasing the wide range of facial expressions and distinct walk cycles of each character, pushing the limits of shapes and forms to match the varied and colorful personalities of this female-driven cast. Beyond the main duo, the second quirky step-sister Margot reveals herself as a memorable, quirky character. “Animators had a blast animated her,” recalled Figliozzi, “and it was the same for our amazing fairy godmother, and the ‘evil’ Priscilla.”

“Think or her as Marie-Antoinette meets Paris Hilton,” joked Casey. “She’s contemporary, hilarious, and our teams enjoyed making very fun animation tests to bring her to life.” Craft-savvy Annecy crowds couldn’t agree more, as the Salle Pierre Lamy filled with laughter discovering said tests.

A tasty fairy tale setting

To craft their pop world, “Steps” teams turned to another very colorful element of everyday life, candy. Mixing espresso foam looks with blue gums and chocolate treats, they built the lush, bright kingdom of Alouette blending two perspectives: tactile textures and elegant clutter. “Everything in our world should heighten senses,” explained Casey. “It’s a touchable, delectable world blending East and West, with a stylized 3D playing with the medium to explore touch and taste, embracing over-the-top colors and doubling down on rococo decadence.”

Beyond Alouette, the team also showed some animation tests from their other main location, the Screaming Woods, populated by Biker Trolls riding moto goats and terrifying insect-like mechs.

“It was a long journey,” concluded Ripa and Tzue. “But during all these six years, we managed to create a work environment where everyone could belong. Teamwork and celebrating animation as a collaborative art has always been important fos us, and the film is a testament to everyone’s dedication and energy. Every department had its own hard moments. But when it all comes together and you know that ‘you’ve found it,’ it’s all worth it.”

“Steps” arrives exclusively on Netflix in 2026.