Disney is flipping the script on its most famous fairy tale. Today, the studio confirmed a new live-action film titled Stepsisters is in active development. The project pulls Anastasia and Drizella Tremaine out of the shadows. It places them in the spotlight for the very first time. Disney has spent decades focusing on the glass slipper. Now, this new venture shows life for the two women left behind.
A New Perspective On Classic Villains
The film reframes the “evil stepsister” narrative like Maleficent and Cruella. Anastasia and Drizella will become complex protagonists. This move follows a successful trend for Disney. However, this project marks a tonal shift toward humor. Disney canon already contains a blueprint for this. The animated sequel Cinderella II gave Anastasia a heartfelt redemption arc. Fans now wonder if the live-action film will use that storyline.
The Rescue Rangers Creative Team
Disney tapped a heavy-hitting comedic team for the Tremaine sisters. Akiva Schaffer will officially direct the project. Schaffer earned critical acclaim for directing Disney’s meta-hit Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. Writers Dan Gregor and Doug Mand joined the team. They previously worked with Schaffer on the 2025 Naked Gun reboot. Their involvement suggests a shift toward sharp comedy and satire. This won’t be a traditional dramatic retelling.
Battling The Competition
Disney isn’t the only studio watching this story. Netflix is developing its own animated film titled Steps. Additionally, the 2025 Norwegian film The Ugly Stepsister recently became a viral hit. It even earned an Academy Award nomination for makeup. This “stepsister surge” in Hollywood pushed Disney to act fast. The studio wants to keep the Tremaine sisters synonymous with the Disney brand.
What Comes Next For Cinderella
The film is currently in early development. Disney Live Action EVP Jessica Virtue is overseeing the project. No casting has been announced yet. It remains unclear if the film follows the 2015 Cinderella starring Lily James. Most industry insiders expect Stepsisters to be a Disney+ original. A production start date is likely several months away while the script is finished.
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