Netflix’s “Cinderella” Reimagining “Steps” to Skip Theatrical Run, Director John Ripa Says at Annecy

Netflix’s plan to take its Cinderella reimagining “Steps” straight to streaming, rather than staging a conventional theatrical release, drew attention at the Annecy International Animation Film Festival this week, where the co-director, John Ripa, said the approach can offer practical advantages.

Speaking in connection with the film at Annecy, Ripa characterized the streaming path as beneficial, aligning with the broader shift in how animated titles are being marketed and delivered to viewers. The comments came as Netflix continues to navigate what the industry has framed as a long-running tension between theatrical distribution and streaming-first releases, particularly for major studio animation projects.

Deadline reported that Netflix’s theatrical-versus-streaming dilemma has remained a frequent topic in the entertainment business, noting that the issue resurfaced again late last year, when Netflix was reported to have moved toward acquiring assets tied to Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). That episode underscored how distribution rights, exhibition channels, and library strategy are increasingly intertwined with decisions about where and how films debut.

Ripa’s remarks at Annecy were presented as a direct response to that market debate. Rather than treating a streaming-first approach as a compromise, he said there are benefits to releasing “Steps” straight to the screen, implying that the choice can reach viewers more directly and reduce uncertainty around a limited run.

The “Cinderella” reimagining itself is being positioned within Netflix’s animation pipeline as a major property, with the distribution plan becoming part of the conversation about how large-budget animated features are competing for audience attention. In recent years, audience habits and household viewing patterns have increasingly favored on-demand formats, and Netflix’s decision reflects the company’s ongoing emphasis on streaming distribution.

The Annecy setting also matters for context. As a key industry gathering for animation, the festival often serves as a forum where filmmakers and studios discuss the practical realities of producing and releasing animated works, from creative timelines to how marketing and viewing access shape audience exposure.

A streaming-first release plan can also affect how films are evaluated by viewers and by the industry, including questions around audience reach, marketing timing, and the role of a theatrical window in press and awards ecosystems. However, Deadline’s report focused on Ripa’s stance that Netflix’s method provides advantages, without providing additional distribution details beyond the decision to go directly to streaming.

For now, the most immediate item on the calendar for audiences is Netflix’s release schedule for “Steps.” The next steps will likely involve Netflix publishing more standard release information, while the industry continues to watch how streaming-first strategies influence audience access and the broader economics of animation distribution.