In 2025, Cinderella’s infamous stepsister will take center stage in a new Norwegian feature film directed by Emilie Blichfeldt. The classic tale of Cinderella is getting a fresh retelling, this time from the perspective of the ugly stepsister.
“The Ugly Stepsister” marks Blichfeldt’s feature film debut, with Lea Myren (23), known from series like “Jenter” and “Familien Lykke,” stepping into the title role. She is joined by seasoned actors Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Cinderella and Ane Dahl Torp as the stepmother.
“When I rediscovered the Brothers Grimm version of Cinderella, where the stepsister cuts off her toes to make the shoe fit, I immediately identified with her,” Blichfeldt shared in a press release from Ymer Media.
“It’s about time the story of the ugly stepsister steps out from Cinderella’s shadow,” she added.
Described as a costume drama with “significant doses of horror and comedy,” the film offers a fresh perspective on the classic fairy tale, told through the eyes of stepsister Elvira. Far from traditional, Elvira is willing to go to grotesque lengths to sabotage Cinderella’s happily-ever-after.
“With this beauty-horror film, I aim to lure the audience into a ‘girl-dreams-of-the-prince’ fantasy. But then it takes a sharp U-turn and becomes something entirely different,” explained Blichfeldt.
Despite being her first feature-length project, Blichfeldt brings a strong track record from acclaimed short films like “How Do You Like My Hair” and “Intime betroelser.” Meanwhile, the team supporting “The Ugly Stepsister” boasts extensive experience.
Costume designer Manon Rasmussen has credits on “A Royal Affair” and “Melancholia.” Cinematographer Marcel Zyskind has worked on several films by Michael Winterbottom. Editor Olivia Neergaard-Hol has cut all of Ali Abassi’s films, and Peter Hjort and Thomas Foldberg have contributed VFX and makeup to “Triangle of Sadness,” “Border,” and “The War Sailor.”
The film is produced by Maria Ekerhovd of Mer Film (“The War Sailor”) in collaboration with Sweden’s Zentropa, Denmark’s Motor Films, and Poland’s Lava Films. With ambitions for international appeal, the project will debut at the Cannes Film Festival market this year.
A specific release date for “The Ugly Stepsister” has not yet been announced, but it is expected to premiere sometime in 2025.
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