Bette Midler is set to lend her voice to the Fairy Godmother in Netflix’s upcoming animated reimagining of the Cinderella tale titled Steps, according to a report from Deadline. The film marks the first fully in-house production from Netflix Animation Studios and features a cast that includes Ali Wong, Amanda Seyfried and Stephanie Hsu.
Midler joins Wong, who plays the character Lilith, Seyfried in the role of Cinderella and Hsu as Margot. The story centers on Cinderella’s stepsister Lilith, described as evil in traditional tellings, who takes the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and disrupts the Royal Ball. She teams up with Margot to break the familiar narrative, leading to the kingdom falling under the rule of a scheming villain named Priscilla.
In the plot, Lilith must then work alongside Cinderella to restore order and mend their relationship. Midler offered insight into her character during comments shared in the Deadline report. “The beloved Fairy Godmother, the wholesome Fairy Godmother, the one with all the good intentions, has been around for a long, long time,” Midler said. “This particular version of the Fairy Godmother has good intentions, but she’s a little bit of a bumbler and she’s a little bit of a schemer. I’m thrilled to be part of this film.”
The project is directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa. Amy Poehler’s Paper Kite Productions is involved in the production alongside producers Jane Hartwell and Kim Lessing. Steps is scheduled for release this year, though an exact date has not been announced.
Netflix has been expanding its animation slate in recent years, and this film represents a notable step as the company’s first fully internal production from its dedicated animation studio. The reimagined story flips several elements of the classic fairy tale, focusing on the stepsisters and their agency in altering events at the ball.
Industry observers note that casting Midler brings a veteran performer with a long history in both film and stage roles to the voice cast. Her previous work includes appearances in films such as The Rose and Beaches, as well as her well-known stage performances. The addition aligns with Netflix’s strategy of attracting recognizable talent for its animated features.
According to the report, the film aims to deliver a fresh take while retaining core elements of the Cinderella legend. The involvement of Paper Kite Productions adds further creative weight, given Poehler’s track record with projects that blend humor and heart.
Details about the full voice cast and additional crew members remain limited at this stage. Officials have not confirmed whether other high-profile actors will join the ensemble before the release window later this year.
Steps comes amid a broader wave of fairy tale adaptations across streaming platforms. Netflix has previously explored similar territory with titles that update classic stories for modern audiences, though this project stands out for its internal studio origins.
Production on the film is understood to be well underway, with the voice recording process likely advancing given the casting announcement. No specific locations for recording sessions have been disclosed in available reports.
Midler’s participation adds another layer of star power to a project already featuring established names like Wong and Seyfried. The combination suggests Netflix is positioning Steps as a major release within its family-oriented animation lineup.
Further updates on marketing plans or tie-in merchandise are expected closer to the premiere date. For now, the focus remains on the creative team assembling the story and bringing the updated characters to life through animation.
Viewers can anticipate a narrative that emphasizes themes of family dynamics and redemption, based on the outline provided in the initial announcement. The film’s approach to the Fairy Godmother character, as described by Midler, promises a more flawed and humorous interpretation than traditional versions.