According to Variety, Disney is in talks with Emma Thompson to join Emma Stone in Cruella, the live-action prequel to 101 Dalmatians (1961) that will focus on the early life of villainess Cruella de Vil (Stone). Glen Close previously portrayed Cruella de Vil in the 1996 live-action version of 101 Dalmatians
Cruella would be a sort of “origin” story for the character who wanted a coat made from puppies in 101 Dalmatians. The film is rumored to be set in the 1980s with a punk vibe.
This movie would be similar to Disney’s Maleficent (2014) with Angelina Jolie, which focused on the villainess from Sleeping Beauty (1959). That movie was a success, earning $758.5 million, and has a sequel coming out on October 18.
Thompson has a history with Disney, having previously played Mrs. Potts in the live-action Beauty and the Beast (2017) and also “Mary Poppins” author P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks (2013), a role for which she received nominations for Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild Awards.
While Thompson’s potential role in Cruella is as yet unknown, she may play the antagonist, the Baroness. Nicole Kidman was previously rumored to be in consideration for that role.
Cruella is set for release December 23, 2020.
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