
In a fairy-tale kingdom where beauty is a brutal business, Elvira battles to compete with her incredibly beautiful stepsister, and she will go to any length to catch the prince’s eye.
Here’s information about “The Ugly Stepsister” movie. Since there are multiple possible interpretations or projects with similar titles, I’ll cover both existing films and any notable announced or upcoming projects as of mid-2025.
This is a planned live-action film in development by Disney.
Disney’s shift toward villain- or side-character-centered retellings (like Maleficent and Cruella) inspired this project.
There are also smaller or indie films/projects that have used similar titles, but they are not widely known or officially distributed under major studios.
Although not a movie (yet), this 2001 TV movie adaptation was based on the Gregory Maguire novel:
Title | Type | Status | Notable Info |
---|---|---|---|
The Ugly Stepsister (Disney) | Feature film | In development | Written by Kristen Wiig & Annie Mumolo |
Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister | TV Movie | Released in 2002 | Based on Gregory Maguire’s novel |
Would you like details on a specific version (Disney, TV movie, or indie), or help creating your own concept for a film called The Ugly Stepsister?
Certainly! Continuing from the previous overview, let’s expand on each version and explore additional details, such as themes, potential casting, and fan expectations.
This project is one of the many twisted fairy tale retellings Disney has embraced. Following the success of movies like Maleficent (which showed the Sleeping Beauty villain in a sympathetic light) and Cruella (focusing on the 101 Dalmatians antagonist), this film is expected to bring humor and depth to a traditionally hated character.
A much darker and more serious take, this film is based on the Gregory Maguire novel. Maguire is known for flipping fairy tales (Wicked is his most famous).
Whether comedic (Disney’s take) or dramatic (Maguire’s story), both versions attempt to:
If Disney’s Ugly Stepsister is successful, it could pave the way for:
Let me know what you’d like next — I can help expand this concept in any creative direction!
Absolutely! Let’s continue by imagining what Disney’s upcoming “The Ugly Stepsister” movie could actually look like if it were fully developed. Below, you’ll find a detailed plot outline, potential character breakdowns, and the kinds of themes Disney might explore in this reimagined version.
The story begins before Cinderella ever arrives. The kingdom is buzzing with class divides, strict beauty standards, and marriage expectations. Drusilla, the middle daughter of Lady Tremaine, dreams of being an artist, not a princess.
She’s constantly told she’s “not pretty enough,” “too loud,” or “strange” by her mother and the elite society around her. Her older sister Anastasia is obsessed with social status, while her mother pushes both daughters to marry rich men to restore the family’s fortune.
Cinderella (Ella) arrives, quiet and kind, making Drusilla feel even more out of place in her own home. Despite trying to befriend Ella, misunderstandings grow. Drusilla’s jealousy is rooted in fear — fear of being forgotten.
The royal ball is announced, and all eyes are on marrying the prince. Drusilla wants to go, not for the prince, but to display her artwork in the palace gallery. Her mother forbids it — calling it a foolish dream.
At the ball, Cinderella arrives magically and wins everyone’s heart. Drusilla watches from the sidelines, heartbroken — not because she didn’t get the prince, but because she feels invisible.
Later, when the glass slipper is tried on, Drusilla fakes indifference. But inside, she’s shattered. Cinderella forgives everyone — but Drusilla walks away, refusing to be pitied.
Drusilla runs away from home to find her own identity. In a nearby village, she starts over. She meets people who don’t care about titles — just stories. She begins painting again and slowly becomes known as a folk artist who captures real human emotion.
One day, she is invited back to the palace — not to apologize, but to showcase her art.
She reunites with Cinderella, who is now Queen, and they share a heartfelt moment. Drusilla says, “I didn’t hate you. I hated who I thought I had to be.”
The story ends with Drusilla unveiling her artwork in the royal gallery — titled “The Girl Who Wasn’t Chosen”. It shows the moment before the slipper fit, capturing her pain and beauty.
The audience applauds. Drusilla smiles — not because she’s finally seen, but because she finally sees herself.
Would you like me to:
Let me know how you’d like to continue this creative vision!