Cruella stars Emma Stone and Emma Thompson are vying for a sequel with Glenn Close in the style of The Godfather Part II. Disney's Cruella de Vil origin film strutted into theaters and Disney+ on May 28. Set in the cutthroat fashion world of 70s London, the epic tale sees Stone as the fashionable villain pre-101 Dalmatians. Thompson goes head to head with her onscreen as the antagonist Baroness Von Hellman. Directed by I, Tonya's Craig Gillespie, the movie draws on a rich legacy of materials.
It all started in 1956 with Dodie Smith's novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians. The story was Disney-fied in 1961 as Disney's 17th animated film ever and quickly became a family favorite. Close turned things up a notch with her unforgettable portrayal of Cruella de Vil in the 1996 live-action remake 101 Dalmatians, which spawned a sequel due to its massive success. Over two decades later, Stone has been met with praise for taking the villain's story centerstage. Naturally, buzz of a Cruella sequel has already started churning.
Both Stone and Thompson want to return to the delicious world with a second installment. While chatting with Rotten Tomatoes, it was suggested that the Oscar-winning pair do a Godfather II-style sequel with Close. They agreed instantly, with Thompson even saying she'd write the film and Stone saying she'd be on board. Thompson gleefully replied:
"I’m writing the letter now. Actually, does anyone got any paper? 'Dear Mr. Disney…' Oh, is he still around? I don’t even know. Please, can we do exactly what was just suggested in this interview? I'm sending it. Oh my God... That's a really good - ok!"
Both of the leading Emmas lit up at the prospect, with Stone saying she'd signed on to anything that Thompson wrote. Meanwhile, Close had previously offered up her own idea for a sequel starring her Cruella. Ahead of the new blockbuster's release, the acclaimed actress said that she wants to prowl the streets of NYC in her trusty black-and-white wig. While she remained secretive on the concept, she mentioned having Cruella hiding out underground in the sewers.
Regardless, hungry Disney fans are already pining for more of the wicked fashion designer. Cruella ends with Estella transforming into Cruella de Vil for good and, consequently, teeing up 101 Dalmatians. While a sequel hasn't been announced by Disney, the mostly positive critical and audience reception makes it likely that the big mouse will seize another opportunity to rule the box office. However, the plot could take various routes.
While enough time has passed that Disney could remake 101 Dalmatians with their Cruella cast, it would be tough to top the live-action original. On the other hand, the Godfather-II approach would basically be a mashup of a prequel and sequel, showing both Stone and Close in the role. This could be an epic way to unite viewers from all corners of the Dalmatians fandom and even give Close the Oscar she deserved to win for the role in the first place.
Source: Rotten Tomatoes