How BLACKPINK's Jennie Reshapes Netflix's Cinderella Story
Netflix's upcoming animated feature, 'Steps,' cleverly reworks the classic Cinderella tale while leveraging BLACKPINK's Jennie to attract a wider, younger global audience with a fresh K-Pop-infused soundtrack.
Photo: Netflix Inc. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Are we truly tired of fairy tale retellings, or are we simply waiting for the right creative twist—and perhaps the perfect celebrity endorsement—to make us fall in love all over again? Netflix seems to bet on the latter with its ambitious new animated feature, 'Steps,' known in some markets as 'Sisters of Fate.' This isn't your grandmother's Cinderella; it's a vibrant, K-Pop-powered reimagining designed to shake up expectations and, we believe, captivate a massive, diverse audience.
Set to launch globally on November 20, 2026, 'Steps' promises a radical departure from the familiar. The film flips the narrative by centering on Cinderella’s often-maligned stepsisters, Lilith and Margot, as they inadvertently throw the kingdom into chaos. This chaotic setup forms the backdrop for a star-studded voice cast and, crucially, a soundtrack featuring original music from global sensation Jennie of BLACKPINK. Her involvement, leading the soundtrack with the song “Someone to Hold,” signals a clear strategic play by Netflix to blend beloved folklore with contemporary pop culture.
A Fairy Tale, Remixed and Reimagined
'Steps' challenges the very foundations of the Cinderella mythos. Instead of focusing on glass slippers and perfect princesses, the story plunges into the complexities of Lilith (voiced by Ali Wong) and Margot (Stephanie Hsu). Lilith, tired of living in Cinderella's shadow, steals the Fairy Godmother's (Bette Midler) magic wand and inadvertently unleashes a tyrannical villain, Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), upon the kingdom. The twist? Lilith must then team up with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) to save their world. This narrative shift, conceived by a team including Riki Lindhome, Kate Micucci, Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Dana Schwartz, and Felicia Ho, and directed by Alyce Tzue and John Ripa, promises not just humor and adventure but also an exploration of sisterly bonds and redemption that goes beyond simplistic good-versus-evil tropes.
The film's creative pedigree is notable, with directors like John Ripa, who worked on 'Raya and the Last Dragon,' and producers Amy Poehler and Kim Lessing from Paper Kite Productions. This blend of comedic talent and animation experience suggests a film that is both visually engaging and genuinely funny, setting it apart from more traditional animated musicals. The focus on what happens after the ball is hijacked, and the unlikely alliance between Cinderella and her stepsister, offers a fresh perspective that could resonate deeply with modern audiences seeking nuanced storytelling.
The K-Pop Power Play: Jennie's Strategic Role
The most prominent strategic move by Netflix for 'Steps' is undoubtedly securing Jennie from BLACKPINK for its soundtrack.
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