The Ugly Stepsister (Norwegian: Den stygge stesøsteren) is an upcoming comedy horror film directed by Emilie Blichfeldt in her directorial debut. The movie stars Lea Myren, Thea Sofie Loch Næss, Ane Dahl Torp, and Flo Fagerli.
Inspired by the Cinderella fairy tale, the story follows Elvira, who enters a brutal competition against her beautiful stepsister in a desperate battle for beauty.
Where was The Ugly Stepsister filmed?
The movie was primarily filmed in Poland, utilizing the country’s rich architectural history to create a dark and gothic fairy tale atmosphere.
Gołuchów Castle, Poland
The film prominently features Gołuchów Castle, a stunning 16th-century castle located in Poland. The castle’s grand, gothic exterior serves as a central location in the movie, giving a hauntingly beautiful backdrop to the dark fairy tale. Viewers will see sweeping exterior shots of Gołuchów Castle, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of Elvira’s journey.
Klasztor Lubiąż, Poland
The party and dance scenes shown in the film where Cinderella enters were actually filmed in Klasztor Lubiz. The Lubiąż Monastery, located in Lower Silesia, Poland, is a historically significant Cistercian abbey. It’s renowned for being one of the largest Cistercian abbeys in the world, showcasing impressive Baroque architecture.
An additional crew member of this movie shared a behind the scene post on his social media account:-
Over its long history, it has served various purposes, from a monastic center to a hospital and even a wartime facility. Currently, efforts are underway to restore this architectural gem, highlighting its cultural importance.
Want to make your filming more fun? Take a peek behind the scenes of ‘The Ugly Stepsister’ movie. It’s like seeing how the magic happens, and maybe it’ll spark some joy:-
When did the filming of The Ugly Stepsister take place?
Shudder‘s new movie The Ugly Stepsister Filming took place in 2024, primarily in Poland, with additional scenes shot around Gołuchów Castle, Poland to create an immersive European fairy tale setting.
The Ugly Stepsister Official Trailer
A few hours ago, Shudder’s Official YouTube Channel released the official trailer for The Ugly Stepsister, offering a chilling glimpse into its dark and twisted reimagining of Cinderella.
The film had its world premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival on January 23, 2025, opening the Midnight Section, and was later screened at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival on February 16, 2025.
The movie was released in Norwegian theaters on March 7, 2025, by Scanbox Entertainment.
FAQ
Q: What is The Ugly Stepsister about?
A: It’s a dark horror-comedy retelling of Cinderella, where Elvira fights to outshine her stepsister in a brutal pursuit of beauty and status.
Q: Why was Gołuchów Castle chosen as a filming location?
A: The castle’s historic gothic design perfectly fits the film’s dark fairy tale theme, enhancing its eerie and fantastical atmosphere.
Q: Were any other locations used for filming?
A: Yes, while Gołuchów Castle is the most prominent location, additional scenes were filmed in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.
Q: When is The Ugly Stepsister released?
A: The film premiered at Sundance on January 23, 2025, followed by a European premiere at Berlinale on February 16, 2025. It was released in Norwegian theaters on March 7, 2025.
Q: Who are the main actors in the film?
A: The movie stars Lea Myren as Elvira, Thea Sofie Loch Næss as Agnes, and Ane Dahl Torp as Rebekka, the stepmother.