Cruella de Vil is officially coming back to life. Nearly three years after it was first reported that Disney was kicking around the idea of a Cruella origin story—a film similar to its hit Maleficent—its been confirmed that the film is moving forward, with Emma Stone in the title role.
This version of Cruella will be a far cry from the impossibly chic villain played by Glenn Close in 1996s 101 Dalmatians, and originated by Betty Lou Gerson in the 1961 animated original. This origin story will apparently be set in the 1980s and have a punkish vibe, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
The films choice of star and “punk” theme (can anything sanctioned by Disney even be punk?) have already ruffled some feathers, with good reason; for one, we dont necessarily need another live-action Cruella movie. But such is the modern era of Disney remakes, reboots, and re-imaginings of its treasured I.P. Not everyone likes it—but the live-action Maleficent made $758 million at the worldwide box office, so Disney is just going to keep the content train moving.
The studio has also given fans reason to hold out hope for this Cruella re-imagining. Per T.H.R., Disney is in talks with Craig Gillespie—who helmed the brutal and darkly funny I, Tonya—to direct. If his Tonya Harding biopic, starring Margot Robbie in the titular role, is any indication, Gillespie could have a lot of fun with this movie; after all, he already has experience finding the depth in a complicated villain. As T.H.R. notes, the director has also worked with Disney twice before, on The Finest Hours and Million Dollar Arm. So, good news all around—unless, of course, you are one of the people who did not like I, Tonya.
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Get Vanity Fairs HWD NewsletterSign up for essential industry and award news from Hollywood.Full ScreenPhotos:Glenn Closes Cruella de Vil CostumesBlack and white silk crepe with shark fin appliqué.Photo: Left, courtesy of Glenn Close. Right, from Walt Disney Pictures/Photofest.
Ombred silk organza decorated with tulle and silk roses.Photo: Left, from Walt Disney Pictures/Photofest. Right, courtesy of Glenn Close.
The cape is black and beige cotton moleskin with appliquéd graded spots, lined with faux zebra. The bodice is black and beige cotton moleskin with resin chevron detail. The skirt is black and beige cotton moleskin.Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Close.
The tailcoat is black wool with red brocade lining and ivory silk satin insets at the neck. The “dragon decoration” is made of glass beads, plastic sequins, and lamé. The skirt is black wool with rayon fringe.Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Close.
The coatdress is zebra-print velvet with black faux mink sleeves and collar, with cigarette case and ammo cartridges on the breast. The petticoat is black silk gazar with a bustle pad. The belt is black patent leather.Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Close.
The cape is faux tiger fur with black leather trim and faux leopard lining. The skirt is black leather. The bodice is faux tiger fur with pewter tiger claw closures.Photo: Courtesy of Glenn Close.
Black cellophane velvet with black and white coque feather trim.Photo: Left, courtesy of Glenn Close. Right, from Everett Collection.PreviousNext
Yohana DestaYohana Desta is a Hollywood writer for VanityFair.com.
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