Image Credit: Netflix
She cast a spell on us as Winifred Sanderson and now she’s about to make our wishes come true. Bette Midler is officially trading her Hocus Pocus spellbook for a magic wand in Netflix’s upcoming animated feature, step.
Coming to Netflix later in 2026, step Promises to completely turn the classic Cinderella story on its head. And who better to help break down the fairy tale than a Hollywood legend famous for playing Disney’s most iconic witch?
In a casting announcement made today, Netflix revealed that Bette Midler will voice the Fairy Godmother step. But if you’re expecting a traditional, clean-cut magic-maker, think again. Midler’s take on the character feels surprisingly anarchic, just like her beloved Hocus Pocus alter-ego, but with slightly better intentions.
“Dear fairy godmothers, perfect fairy godmothers, all with good intentions, have been around for a long time,” Midler said in a statement. “This particular version of the Fairy Godmother has good intentions, but she’s a little bit of an idiot and she’s a little bit of a schemer. I’m thrilled to be a part of this movie! And I’m thrilled to be with this cast!”
For Cheat Fans, the irony of the Sanderson Sisters taking over as a scheming fairy godmother is too good to pass up. We can already imagine Midler bringing great comedic energy to a bumbling magic-user.
Stage – (L-R) Lilith (Ali Wong), Margot (Stephanie Soo), Fairy Godmother (Bette Midler), and Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried). CR: Netflix Animation © 2026
As we’ve covered before here on What’s on Netflix, step This is a brand new reimagining of the Cinderella story, told from the perspective of the infamous stepsisters.
Here’s the official synopsis provided by Netflix:
“Do you think you know Cinderella’s ‘evil’ stepsisters? Think again. Fed up with living in Cinderella’s shadow, Lilith steals the Fairy Godmother’s magic wand and hijacks the Royal Ball with her sister Margot, subverting the Cinderella story as we know it and dooming the kingdom to the tyrannical rule of Priscilla, a villainous schemer who swoops in and snatches the throne. Now, Lilith must work together to fight off biker trolls, escape evil goons, and escape the Screaming Woods on an epic quest to save the kingdom, but most importantly, their relationship.
Midler joins a star-studded, powerhouse vocal cast that we’ve been tracking for the past few months. The confirmed voice cast now includes Ali Wong (BEEF) as Lilith, Stephanie Su (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Margot, and Amanda Seyfried (Mamma Mia!) as Cinderella.
Steps marks a major milestone for the streamer, being the first film to be produced entirely within Netflix Animation Studios. The film is being directed by Student Academy Award Gold Medal winner. Alice Tzuay And john ripaWho previously served as co-director on Disney’s Raya and The Last Dragon. building a feature jane hartwellTogether Kim Lessing and comedy legend Amy PoehlerWho are producing for Paper Kite Productions.
We’ll keep our eyes on the full trailer and exact release date, but look forward to seeing step Land on Netflix in late 2026. For more on Netflix’s upcoming animated movie slate, keep it locked to What’s on Netflix here.
Are you excited to see Bette Midler trade her Hocus Pocus broomstick for the Fairy Godmother’s wand in Steps? Let us know in the comments below!
