The movie Cruella is a resounding success. Just days after debuting on theatres and Disney+, the movie, starring Oscar winners Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, received the green light for a sequel. The origin story focuses on a young Cruella de Vil, and like Maleficent before it, goes to considerable lengths to redeem its iconic villainess.
There are many possibilities for the sequel, but fans already have an idea of what they want. With the excitement for the movie higher than ever and a proven formula for success that keeps delivering with critics and audiences, it's clear that Cruella's story is just beginning.
Anita & Roger
Anita and Roger are indeed integral parts of the One Hundred and One Dalmatians story. However, they are supporting characters in the original animated movie, where Pongo and Perdy take center stage. In Cruella, they are worthy additions to the cast, particularly Anita, who plays a pivotal role in the story.
Both characters should return and their roles should be grown, helping to bring the plot closer to the animated version while also telling an excellent new story.
More Dalmatian Shenanigans
And speaking of Pongo and Perdy, the dalmatian couple should play a prominent role in the sequel, akin to the one Buddy and Wink play in Cruella. The spotted dogs are arguably the leads in the animated movie, but they only make a small cameo at the end of Emma Stone's version.
Pongo and Perdy could perhaps become allies of Cruella. This version of the character seems to entirely lack the original's obsession with fur, so the dalmatian couple is free to mingle with the black and white-haired anti-heroine. Pongo and Perdy would also make great companions to the three dalmatians that Cruella inherits from the Baroness.
John, The Loyal Butler
Cruella de Vil has a loyal butler at her service in both of her live-action iterations. Glenn Close's had the shy but loyal Alonzo, who she mistreated terribly. Emma Stone gets John, played by Mark Strong, a true gentleman who is also loyal but far less frightened.
Strong, a veteran actor with multiple villains on his resumé, was hardly utilized during Cruella. The sequel needs to take advantage of his vast talents and feature him in a more active role. John, along with Jasper, could act as Cruella's voice of reason, keeping her dark side in check.
The Glorious '80s
Cruella takes place in the '70s, evidenced by its impeccable production design and killer and nostalgic soundtrack. The movie thrives on its period setting, painting an absorbing portrayal of the 1970s fashion scene, a time of change and innovation.
A date on the newspaper reveals the movie takes place in 1977, so a sequel could take audiences into the 1980s. The film could then go all-in with the camp sensibilities of the time, creating a colorful and slightly over-the-top adventure for fashion lovers.
Artie, Fashion Rebel
Artie, a fashion-forward shop owner who joins Cruella's adventure, is arguably the most likable character in the movie. In the end, he becomes a member of her gang, hinting at a more meaningful role in the sequel.
Artie should play a crucial role in Cruella's ascension in the fashion industry, especially now that he's part of her inner circle. In the 1996 live-action, Cruella is the owner of a successful and exclusive designer brand, House of DeVil. This new take on the character should follow the same path, and Artie should be a prominent designer in the company.
More Jasper & Horace
In the animated film and its 1996 live-action adaptation, Jasper and Horace are Cruella's dumb and clumsy henchmen, hired to steal and kill the puppies. They succeed in the former but are unable to accomplish the latter. Their failure actually leads to her arrest in the live-action.
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This new version of Cruella features the Badduns as her friends and confidants instead of just scamps for hire. There are also hints of a possible romantic connection between Jasper and Cruella, but they remain vague. The sequel should keep building the sibling relationship between them, further distancing from Cruella's previous villainous persona.
Baroness Von Hellman
Emma Thompson nearly stole the entire movie with her performance. As Baroness von Hellman, Thompson is a Disney villain to the tee: aggressive, larger than life, and impeccably dressed. She's closer to the Disney version of Cruella de Vil than Emma Stone's own Cruella, which also makes for an intriguing viewing.
Seeing Thompson and Stone go at it is a delight, and the sequel needs to bring back the Baroness for another round. She could even team up with Cruella to bring down another enemy, becoming an anti-hero herself. The possibilities are numerous, but the Baroness needs to return to finish her journey with her daughter.
A Fashion-Focused Plot
Cruella stood out from other live-action remakes thanks to its focus on the fashion industry. Not only were the costumes to die for, but the story of a woman making her way in a cutthroat business was a nice change of pace for a Disney project. The sequel should continue this journey.
Cruella already made a splash in the scene, but she needs to consolidate her position. The sequel could focus on her efforts to turn House of DeVil into a world-renowned brand. They could also showcase how she influences '80s fashion.