Details Revealed for Disney’s Live-Action ‘Cruella’ Sequel by Emma Stone

Emma Stone is a renowned American actress who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. Born as Emily Jean Stone on November 6, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona, she rose to prominence for her exceptional talent and captivating on-screen presence.

Emma Stone has showcased her versatility by portraying a wide range of characters in various film genres.

From comedies like Easy A (2010) and House Bunny (2008) to critically acclaimed dramas like La La Land (2016) and Birdman (2014), Stone has proven herself to be an exceptional actress capable of bringing depth and authenticity to her roles.

Most recently, Stone was a 2024 Oscar nominee for Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role for Poor Things (2023).

Her remarkable performances have earned her numerous accolades, including an Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in La La Land alongside Ryan Gosling. Emma Stone’s incredible talent, charisma, and dedication to her craft have cemented her status as one of the most respected and sought-after actresses in Hollywood.

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When it comes to Disney, the Zombieland (2009) and Superbad (2007) actress made waves in 2021 when she brought one of the most iconic Disney villains to life in a live-action remake of Cruella.

Emma Stone in ‘Cruella’

In 2021, while box offices reeled from shutdowns the year before due to COVID-19, the close friend of popstar Taylor Swift gave Disney fans one of the most memorable live-action performances of all time.

Emma Stone’s performance in Cruella is well worth mentioning. Playing the iconic villainess Cruella de Vil from Disney’s 101 Dalmations (1961), Stone delivers a captivating and mesmerizing portrayal. Directed by Craig Gillespie, this live-action prequel showcases Stone’s versatility and range as an actress.

Set in 1970s London, Cruella explores the backstory of the infamous character from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians. Stone brings depth and complexity to the role, capturing the essence of a young Estella, who later transforms into the fashionable and ruthless Cruella.

Her transformation from a vulnerable and aspiring fashion designer to a formidable force in the fashion world, obsessed with spotted fur, is both compelling and intriguing.

Stone’s performance is highlighted by her impeccable delivery of Cruella’s wit, cunning, and audacity. She effortlessly showcases the character’s dark and mischievous nature, creating a captivating and multifaceted portrayal. Her ability to strike a balance between vulnerability and cruelty adds layers to the character, making her more relatable and compelling.

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Not only is Stone captivating with her acting skills, but she also shines in the film’s visually stunning costumes. As Cruella, she exudes a fierce sense of style, pushing boundaries and challenging societal norms. Each outfit is meticulously designed to reflect the character’s rebellious spirit and theatricality, further enhancing Stone’s performance.

In Cruella, Stone proves once again why she is considered one of the most talented actresses of her generation. Her portrayal of this iconic Disney villain is a testament to her versatility and ability to bring depth to complex characters.

Whether she’s delivering cutting dialogue, showcasing her fashion-forward looks, or delving into the darker aspects of Cruella’s personality, Stone’s performance in Cruella is nothing short of remarkable.

‘Cruella’ Is One Live-Action Remake That Actually Worked

Prior to taking on her Golden Globe-winning performance in the Yorgos Lanthimos film Poor Things (2023), Stone was a bright spot in a now-stale industry practice by the Walt Disney Company. 

Although the actress was already a familiar face, performing alongside popular names like Andrew Garfield in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and showcasing her funny side on Saturday Night Live, Cruella brought her to the forefront of thought for Disney fans, who were soon to find themselves exhausted with Disney’s live-action remake slate.

Disney’s live-action remakes have had a mixed track record, with many claiming that they fail to capture the magic of their animated counterparts. However, amidst these disappointments, there is one film not named The Lion King (2019) that stands out from the rest – Cruella. 

Starring the talented Emma Stone, Cruella not only breaks the curse of Disney’s live-action remakes but shines as a captivating and unique interpretation of a beloved character. 

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Unlike other live-action attempts such as The Little Mermaid (2023), at the heart of Cruella’s success lies Emma Stone’s remarkable performance in the titular role. With her undeniable talent, Stone breathed new life into the already iconic character of Cruella de Vil. 

Her portrayal is a masterclass in showcasing the complexities and troubled past of this infamous villain, delivering a performance that is both mesmerizing and haunting. Stone’s ability to capture the essence of Cruella’s dark and eccentric nature is truly commendable, elevating this live-action remake to new heights.

Emma Stone Offers a Fresh Perspective

Unlike some of Disney’s live-action remakes that stick closely to the original animated films, Cruella dares to take a different approach. Instead of retelling the same story, the film provides a fresh and unique narrative that serves as a prequel to the classic 101 Dalmatians.

 This inventive twist allows viewers to delve deeper into Cruella’s backstory and understand the events that shaped her into the fashion-obsessed villain we all know. The screenplay, coupled with the vision of director Craig Gillespie, brings forth a bold and captivating story that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.

As we skimmed over, one cannot discuss the success of Cruella without mentioning its visually striking aesthetics. From the vibrant streets of 1970s London to the opulent fashion world, every frame of the film is filled with impeccable detail and visual splendor.

The exquisite costumes, designed by Oscar-winning costume designer Jenny Beavan, are truly a sight to behold. Each outfit worn by Cruella showcases her ever-evolving style and plays a significant role in the character’s transformation. The meticulous attention to detail in the set design and cinematography creates a visually immersive experience that adds another layer of depth to the film.

While Emma Stone’s performance undoubtedly steals the spotlight, Cruella also benefits from a talented supporting cast that brings depth and complexity to the story. Emma Thompson delivers a compelling performance as the formidable Baroness, providing a worthy adversary to Cruella. The chemistry and tension between the two characters elevate the film’s narrative, adding an intriguing dynamic to the story.

The ensemble cast, including Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, and Mark Strong, further contributes to the film’s success with their excellent performances.

A Sequel On the Way

Despite exhaustion over forward-thinking live-action remakes surrounded by controversy, Disney doesn’t seem to have any plans to slow down. The latest news surrounding live-action remakes mostly centers around Rachel Zegler, also loosely associated with Taylor Swift, who will be bringing the first Disney Princess, Snow White, to life down the road.

Related: Disney’s Next Live-Action Remake May Have Found Its Leading Man

However, although fatigue has set in for those live-action films, fans of the first Cruella should be excited as Stone let slip that work on a sequel in underway. Recently, at an event for her latest film, Poor Things, Stone discussed working with fellow co-stars Mark Ruffalo and Willem Dafoe.

Emma Stone, who plays the reanimated corpse Bella Baxter in Poor Things, briefly discussed the current state of what’s next for her career, highlighting comments regarding the production of Cruella 2. Emma, The Los Angeles star, explained to Variety Fair that the Cruella sequel is currently a “work in progress” and should begin shooting “sooner rather than later.”

Emma Stone says the #Cruella sequel is a "work in progress" and will begin shooting "hopefully sooner, rather than later." https://t.co/C1Cjm8RD4R pic.twitter.com/Kfl1qk2oxV

— Variety (@Variety) January 5, 2024

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Although everyone is talking about Stone and Poor Things, which was written by the comedic Dave McCary, any information regarding a Cruella sequel is welcome news for Disney fans. 

When Can We Expect the Next ‘Cruella’

Decoding when Disney movie-goers or Disney+ subscribers can look forward to seeing Emma Stone bring our favorite fashionista back to live-action is a tough task. As Disney has announced a slate of live-action remakes over the next few years, potentially including Bambi, Hercules, and Lilo & Stitch, a Cruella sequel feels far off.

We do know, as with the first, that the next Cruella live-action will not feature tobacco as the animated Cruella de Vil character did in the 1961 film.

“That is not allowed in 2021,” Stone told The New York Times. “We are not allowed to smoke onscreen in a Disney film. It was difficult to not have that cigarette holder,” she said. “I was so excited to have that green plume of smoke in there, but it was not possible.”

As for Stone, she’s busy celebrating Poor Things and her new dark comedic series, The Curse (2023), featuring Nathan Fielder. Still, we’ve seen Stone come a long way in her style since her days alongside Jonah Hill, or as Gwen Stacey, fans can hold out hope that the day the best supporting actress winner returns as Cruella won’t be too far off.