WWE Superstar Damian Priest Dominates Voice Cast of Netflix’s ‘Steps’ Animated Film

In a groundbreaking announcement that marries the thrilling world of professional wrestling with the enchanting realm of animated storytelling, WWE Superstar Damian Priest is set to make his mark in Hollywood. Priest will lend his distinctive voice to the character of Cracktor in Netflix’s highly anticipated Netflix Steps animated film, an original comedy that promises to flip the classic Cinderella narrative on its head. This exciting venture is slated to stream globally on November 20, bringing a fresh perspective to a timeless tale.

The news has sent ripples of excitement through both wrestling and animation communities, highlighting Netflix’s continued commitment to diverse and star-studded casting. Damian Priest, known for his intense presence and powerful voice in the WWE ring, is poised to bring that same larger-than-life energy to his animated counterpart, Cracktor. This role marks a significant step for the Superstar into the booming world of voice acting, a field increasingly attracting top talent from various entertainment spheres.

Damian Priest: From WWE Ring to the ‘Steps’ Animated Film Booth

Damian Priest’s foray into voice acting for the Netflix Steps animated film is a testament to his versatile talent. As a WWE Superstar, Priest has mastered the art of using his voice as a crucial extension of his on-screen persona, delivering captivating promos and commanding attention. He expressed his enthusiasm for the role, stating, “As WWE Superstars, we use our voices as an extension of our onscreen character. I enjoyed channeling that energy into making Cracktor feel intense and larger than life. I think people are going to be surprised by how much of a show-stealing character he is.”

This insight offers a fascinating glimpse into the crossover appeal of performers like Priest. His ability to project intensity and charisma through vocal delivery makes him an ideal candidate for an animated character designed to be impactful and memorable. Fans can anticipate Cracktor being a pivotal and scene-stealing figure within the whimsical yet adventurous narrative of ‘Steps’.

A Fairytale Reimagined: The Plot of Netflix’s ‘Steps’

The premise of ‘Steps’ is nothing short of revolutionary, daring to challenge the traditional portrayal of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Instead of being mere antagonists, Lilith (voiced by Ali Wong) and Margot (voiced by Stephanie Hsu) become the central figures in a sprawling adventure. Tired of their lives overshadowed by Cinderella’s presumed perfection, Lilith takes a drastic step: stealing the Fairy Godmother’s (Bette Midler) magic wand and disrupting the Royal Ball.

This impulsive act shatters the familiar Cinderella story, plunging the kingdom into chaos and paving the way for the tyrannical rule of Priscilla (Nikki Glaser), a cunning schemer who seizes the throne. To rectify their mistake and save their home, Lilith must forge an unlikely alliance with Cinderella (Amanda Seyfried) herself. Their epic quest involves battling formidable biker trolls, evading sinister henchmen, and navigating the perilous Screaming Woods, all while striving to restore order and, most importantly, their bond.

An All-Star Ensemble: The Voice Cast of ‘Steps’

Beyond Damian Priest, the Netflix Steps animated film boasts an astonishingly talented voice cast, a true who’s who of Hollywood. This ensemble promises to elevate the film’s comedic and dramatic elements, bringing each character to vibrant life. The lineup includes:

• Ali Wong as Lilith
• Amanda Seyfried as Cinderella
• Stephanie Hsu as Margot
• Nikki Glaser as Priscilla
• Daniel Radcliffe as The Prince
• Young Mazino as Gef
• Peter Dinklage as Roderick
• Bette Midler as Fairy Godmother

The synergy of such diverse and acclaimed voices is a significant draw for the film. Each actor brings a unique comedic timing and dramatic depth to their role, ensuring a rich and engaging auditory experience. For more details on this incredible cast and the film’s development, you can refer to earlier reports on the Star-Studded Cast Joins Netflix’s ‘Steps’ Animated Film.

Netflix Animation Studios: A New Milestone in In-House Production

‘Steps’ holds a special significance for Netflix as it is the very first film to be fully produced in-house within Netflix Animation Studios. This milestone underscores Netflix’s growing investment in developing its own animated content, fostering creative talent, and maintaining greater control over its production pipeline. The move reflects a broader trend in the industry where streaming giants are building robust internal animation capabilities to compete in a highly competitive market.

The studio’s dedication to innovation is evident in its choice of directors: Tzue, a Student Academy Award winner, and Ripa, who notably co-directed Disney’s acclaimed Raya and the Last Dragon. Their combined experience in storytelling and animation artistry promises a visually stunning and narratively compelling feature. The production team is equally impressive, with Amy Poehler, Jane Hartwell, and Kim Lessing serving as producers, and Poehler and Lessing producing through Paper Kite Productions. This focus on internal production and top-tier talent highlights Netflix’s ambition in the animation space, following the success of other animated titles like Skydance Animation’s ‘Swapped’ which also found a home on the platform.

The Creative Minds Behind the Narrative and Visuals

The screenplay for ‘Steps’ is a collaborative effort by Ava Tramer, James Madejski, Jen Chuck, Dana Schwartz, and Felicia Ho, based on a story crafted by Tramer, Madejski, Schwartz, Ho, Riki Lindhome, and Kate Micucci. This extensive team of writers suggests a meticulously developed plot, rich with humor, heart, and unexpected twists. The blend of experienced and fresh voices in the writing room bodes well for a script that is both innovative and broadly appealing.

The film’s production at Netflix Animation Studios also hints at the potential for cutting-edge animation techniques and technological advancements. As the industry continues to evolve, driven by innovations in AI and VFX, in-house studios like Netflix’s are often at the forefront of experimenting with new tools and workflows. This could translate into a visually distinctive and technically impressive animated experience for viewers.

Netflix’s Growing Animation Empire and Industry Impact

The launch of ‘Steps’ as an in-house production further solidifies Netflix’s position as a major player in the global animation landscape. By attracting talent like Damian Priest and seasoned animation directors, Netflix is not only expanding its content library but also contributing significantly to the evolution of animated storytelling. This move allows for more creative freedom and a distinct artistic vision, setting a new benchmark for original animated content on the platform. You can learn more about Netflix’s approach to animation and their studio operations on their official Netflix Animation website.

The film’s reimagining of a classic fairytale aligns with a broader trend in animation to deconstruct and modernize beloved stories for contemporary audiences. This approach, combined with a focus on diverse character development and high-quality production, positions ‘Steps’ as a significant release for the year. It’s a clear indication that Netflix is not just a distributor but a formidable creator of world-class animated entertainment.

Netflix’s ‘Steps’ Animated Film: Key Production Details