Amanda Seyfried’s Cinderella Just Cast an Award-Winning Fairy Godmother

Here’s one for anyone who thought Cinderella was just about glass slippers and midnight curfews. Netflix is mixing things up in quite a big way with Steps, a fresh animated spin on the tale. Yes, Amanda Seyfried is playing Cinderella—but the real headline this week? Bette Midler, absolute legend and not unfamiliar with magical roles, is stepping in as the Fairy Godmother. And we've now had our first peek at the characters in full animated glory.

Midler Joins the Party (And She's Magic)

Netflix just confirmed what fans of campy icons everywhere will want to hear: Bette Midler is voicing the Fairy Godmother in Steps. If you grew up quoting Hocus Pocus or enjoy seeing Midler adding chaos to any universe, rejoice. It’s not your mum’s Fairy Godmother either—Midler herself says this version is ‘a little bit of a bumbler, and she’s a little bit of a schemer.’ Honestly, perfect casting.

'The beloved Fairy Godmother, the wholesome Fairy Godmother, the one with all the good intentions, has been around for a long, long time. 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.'
- Bette Midler

Wait, Isn't This Meant to Be About Cinderella?

Not so fast. This version flips the script and shines the torch on the stepsisters for a change. The story picks up after Lilith (voiced by Ali Wong) has finally grown tired of playing second fiddle to Cinderella. Her grand plan? Nick the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand before the big Royal Ball.

Naturally, things go sideways. Instead of just pinching a bit of magic and moving on, Lilith and her sister Margot (that’s Stephanie Hsu) end up running the ball—until a baddie called Priscilla grabs the power and puts the entire kingdom in jeopardy.

Who’s Playing Who?

• Cinderella: Amanda Seyfried
• Lilith (stepsister): Ali Wong
• Margot (stepsister): Stephanie Hsu
• Fairy Godmother: Bette Midler
• Directed by: Alyce Tzue and John Ripa
• Produced by: Amy Poehler (yes, her), Jane Hartwell, Kim Lessing

This Story Goes Well Off Script

Once everything’s gone to pot, Lilith and Cinderella have to team up—a proper odd couple—to fix the mess. According to Netflix’s own synopsis, their adventure involves biker trolls (seriously), escaping something called the ‘Screaming Woods’, dodging evil henchmen, and, of course, sorting out their dysfunctional relationship. It’s Cinderella meets quest comedy with a dash of adult sibling trauma. I’m intrigued.

If you were wondering about tone: the first official images feature all the main players in stylised animated form, with Midler’s Fairy Godmother looking exactly the kind of person you’d ask for magical help and then instantly regret it. I have to be honest, those stills make it look like pure, 21st-century bedtime chaos.

When Can You Watch?

Steps is pencilled in for a release later this year. It’s part of Netflix’s ever-expanding animation line-up—they also have things like KPop Demon Hunters and Pinocchio on the slate, so clearly they’re investing in all things quirky and animated right now.

So, if you fancy seeing Amanda Seyfried battle biker trolls and Bette Midler go full magical meddler, this Cinderella might give you something wilder than another doomed romance at the ball.