It seems Disney is determined to continue down the path of re-imagining some of their classic animated features for the live-action format. This time we have word that Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man, The Help) is in early talks to play a younger version of 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella De Vil.
Like Maleficent, this will be an origin tale for the future pooch-botherer, and will most likely humanize her in some way before detailing the events that shaped her into the type of person that attempts to skin over 100 dogs to make herself a coat.
Maleficent made quite a bit of cash despite its mixed critical response, so it’s understandable that the studio is looking at something like this to follow it up. Plus, Stone is obviously a great talent – though I’m not sure I’d buy her as such a ruthless character.
No director is on board just yet, but the script was written by Kelly Marcel after an initial draft from Aline Brosh McKenna. Andrew Gunn is producing with Kristin Burr and Jessica Virtue overseeing the project. Cruella doesn’t have a release date at the moment, but we’ll let you know when we hear more.