Netflix has announced a new spin on an old fairy tale, but many on social media find the idea cliché at best — and nefarious at worst.
“The persistent theme in animation today is that villains are just misunderstood,” one user stated.
“I wanted to create a film for everyone who has ever felt like they didn’t belong — and show how a single act of kindness can change everything,” co-director Alyce Tzue explained.
While some anticipate the movie’s release, others have raised concerns about its narrative choices.
Allie Beth Stuckey added: “The persistent theme in animation today is that villains are just misunderstood and sometimes demons are the good guys. Consider whom this narrative benefits and why.”
Author Jennifer Greenberg criticized the film: “It’s also terrible writing and lazy storytelling. Are they no longer capable of writing new stories? Why is everything lately a remake or recycled material? It’s so boring and unoriginal.”
Another user joked that “Subversion is supposed to be a seasoning, not a food group.”
A detractor labeled the film: “Cinderella’s stepsisters as ‘misunderstood angels’? Netflix’s woke rewrite turns villains into victims. Ali Wong’s snark can’t save this fairy-tale felony. 2026 trash fire.”
One social media user remarked: “Lol, sounds terrible. But I’d totally love my granddaughters thinking evil villains are just misunderstood. Netflix should do a show making Adolph [sic] Hitler sympathetic too.”
Another user quipped: “Cant [sic] villains just be villains anymore? What next? Satan was sweet and actually misunderstood?”
The film, produced by actress Amy Poehler, is slated for release in 2026.
