Disney’s long-in-the-works live-actionCruellamovie has narrowed in on another big star in the form of Emma Thompson. We first heard of this new take on the famed villain from the101 Dalmatiansfranchise nearly four years ago and it’s been quietly coming together in the background ever since. Emma Stone was signed on to play the titular character and now, she’s being joined by another very famous and highly-regarded woman by the name of Emma.
According to a new report,Emma Thompsonis in talks to star inCruella. It hasn’t been specified who the Oscar-winningHoward’s Endactress would be playing, should the deal get done. What we know for sure is that Emma Stone will be playingCruellade Vil, the villain who is obsessed with capturing all of those cute dalmatian puppies. Perhaps Thompson could be playing a mentor of sorts? For now, all we can really do is speculate since there isn’t all that much to go on. Disney has yet to release any firm plot details. All we really know is that this is likely going to be a prequel to the events of101 Dalmatians.
Emma Thompson, for her part, is about as accomplished as actresses come. Some of her roles includeSense and Sensibility,Love ActuallyandThe Remains of the Day. Thompson also happens to have a good report withDisneyas of late, having starred as author P.L. Travers inSaving Mr. Banks, as well as voicing Mrs. Potts in the recent live-action version ofBeauty and the Beast, which grossed more than $1 billion at the global box office. Thompson is set to appear inMen In Black: Internationalthis summer, as well as the buzzy Mindy Kaling comedyLate Night.
Craig Gillespie, who is best known for directing the Oscar-nominated Tonya Harding biopicI, Tonya, has been tapped to direct the movie. Marc Platt, Kristin Burr and Andrew Gunn are on board to produce the project. Tony McNamara (The Favourite) penned the most recent draft of the screenplay. Dana Fox (Couples Retreat) had also worked on a previous draft. Kelly Marcel ofFifty Shades of Greyfame had been tapped to pen the initial draft in 2015. So this one has been through a few iterations up to this point.
Disney has had a great deal of luck with live-action takes on some of their animated classics. While some of faltered a bit (likePete’s Dragon), more often than not, they turn a healthy profit at the box office. While this won’t be a direct adaptation, it is taking one of their more notable villains with a beloved actress in the lead role. This certainly has the potential to be a hit on part with some of their more well-received live-action remakes. We’ll be sure to keep you posted as further details on the project are made available.Cruellais currently set to arrive in theaters on August 06, 2025. This news was first reported byVariety.
