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Disney Announces Live-Action 'Stepsisters' Film Centering Cinderella's Stepsisters

Photo Credit: Disney

by Chris Tremblay  Mar 29

Disney has greenlit a new live-action film set in the world of its classic animated "Cinderella", shifting the spotlight to the story's antagonists: stepsisters Anastasia and Drizella. Tentatively titled "Stepsisters", the project explores the lives of these characters who traditionally tormented Cinderella in the fairy tale. The announcement, first reported by Deadline, positions this as part of Disney's ongoing strategy to expand its live-action remake slate beyond direct adaptations of its animated hits.

Akiva Schaffer, known for his work with The Lonely Island comedy trio, is set to direct the film. Schaffer recently helmed the "The Naked Gun" reboot and previously directed Disney's Emmy-winning hybrid film "Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers". He will rework the original script by Michael Montemayor alongside writing duo Gregor & Mand. This creative team brings a comedic bent to the project, potentially reimagining the stepsisters' dynamic in a fresh, live-action context.

The news arrives amid Disney's aggressive push into live-action spin-offs and sequels from its animated catalog. Just one week prior, the studio revealed plans for a live-action "Lilo & Stitch" sequel slated for theaters in 2028. Developments around "Moana" and "Tangled" live-action projects have also surfaced recently, signaling Disney's intent to create new franchises from established IPs. "Stepsisters" is expected to follow a similar timeline, though no release date has been confirmed.

While primary details stem from Deadline's reporting, coverage has quickly spread across entertainment outlets, confirming the core elements of the announcement. MovieWeb highlighted the unusual premise of centering the "abusive" stepsisters, noting Disney's move to give these peripheral characters their own narrative arc. The DisInsider emphasized Schaffer's involvement as a reassuring factor for fans skeptical of the concept.

No official comments from Disney executives or the creative team were available in initial reports, but the project's alignment with recent announcements underscores a pattern in the studio's strategy. Regarding LGBTQ+ perspectives, searches across major outlets and LGBTQ+ media such as GLAAD, PinkNews, and The Advocate yielded no specific community responses or analyses tied to this announcement as of March 26, 2026. Disney's track record includes inclusive storytelling in recent live-action projects, such as diverse casting in "The Little Mermaid" and "Mufasa: The Lion King", but "Stepsisters" details remain too preliminary for confirmed implications.

The original 1950 animated "Cinderella" film, directed by Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, and Clyde Geronimi, introduced Anastasia and Drizella as comic foils to the protagonist, with their mother Lady Tremaine as the primary villain. A live-action spin-off could delve into their backstories, motivations, or redemption arcs, though plot specifics are undisclosed. Schaffer's comedy expertise suggests a humorous tone, potentially subverting traditional fairy tale tropes.

Industry observers note Disney's live-action remakes have grossed billions globally, with "The Lion King" alone earning over $1.6 billion. This spinoff could tap into that proven formula while testing audience appetite for villain-centric stories. Casting rumors and further production updates are anticipated soon, given the rapid pace of Disney's announcement cycle.

As Disney continues to mine its vault for content, "Stepsisters" represents an innovative pivot, potentially broadening the "Cinderella" universe for modern audiences. Cross-referenced reports affirm the project's legitimacy, with no conflicting details emerging.

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