‘Cruella’ Sequel: Emma Stone Reveals it's a 'Work in Progress'

Emma Stone shared that filming for Disney's ‘Cruella’ sequel is set to start "hopefully sooner rather than later." The actress, known for her portrayal of the lead character Cruella de Vil in the 2021 live-action prequel to ‘101 Dalmatians,’ revealed that the upcoming film is currently "a work in progress."

Providing further updates during the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Stone expressed enthusiasm about revisiting the iconic antagonist, stating, "It's a blast. She's a blast. So yeah, we'll see. It's a work in progress."

The initial ‘Cruella’ enjoyed significant success at the box office, exceeding $220 million globally. The news of a sequel emerged shortly after the film's theatrical release, with Stone's return to the franchise confirmed in August 2021. Director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Tony McNamara are also expected to be part of the sequel.

Also Read: ‘Cruella’ Movie Review, Despite Emma Stone’s Efforts, She Falls Short of Hitting The Target

‘Cruella’ unfolds the backstory of the iconic antagonist from the beloved animated classic ‘101 Dalmatians.’ Set in 1970s London, the film follows a young and orphaned Cruella who dreams of becoming a fashion designer. She works under the egotistical haute couture designer Baroness Von Hellman, played by Emma Thompson.

Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser join the cast as Cruella's longtime friends and partners in crime, while Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong take on supporting roles.

The movie ‘Cruella’ hit theatres in 2021 and was helmed by director Craig Gillespie, featuring a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara. Upon its release, the film had a four-star review, where Paul Bradshaw remarked that it might be too dark and edgy for very young viewers anticipating a typical cute dog movie.

However, he noted that "cool kids (and cool parents)" would appreciate ‘Cruella’ for its bold approach in injecting some bite into the character's backstory.

Aside from her starring role, Emma Stone also took on the role of executive producer for the Disney film. Currently engaged in promoting her latest project, ‘Poor Things,’ directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, Stone's performance as the reanimated Bella Baxter has garnered awards attention. She is presently nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Actress category for a Musical or Comedy Film.

– Farheen Ali