Disney’s live-action take on the 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella de Vil has a director in sights.
It’s being reported that Craig Gillespie, director of the Academy Award winning I, Tonya and the 2011 Fright Night remake, has entered into negotiations to direct Cruella. The spinoff, which is similar to Disney’s villain-centric Sleeping Beauty spinoff Maleficent, is set to star Oscar winner Emma Stone in the title role.
The script, which is being written by Kelly Marcel (Fifty Shades of Grey, Saving Mr. Banks), doesn’t have a director yet, but the studio is aiming high for its lead character. According to new reports, Emma Stone (Birdman, The Help) is now in talks to play Cruella de Vil. More on the story below.
Recently, Disney has turned to adapting their animated features into live-action films. Alice In Wonderland set the foundation for upcoming titles like Maleficent and Sleeping Beauty, and now the studio is prepping for yet another live-action film based on one of their famed villainesses.
According to The Hollywood reporter, Disney has just hired Cinderella and The Devil Wears Prada screenwriter Aline Brosh McKenna to write the script for Cruella. As you may have guessed, the film will center on Cruella de Vil, animal cruelty extraordinaire and villainess of 101 Dalmatians.
Students of the Unusual™ comic cover used with permission of 3BoysProductions
The Mercuri Bros.™ comic cover used with permission of Prodigal Son Press