She is not only Cruella’s archnemesis, but she also acts as a mirror to the unempathetic nature that is latent in Cruella’s character. She is a pivotal part in Estella’s development into Cruella, both a rival and mentor who doles out advice on being ruthless in order to succeed in the fashion empire. The Baroness is the head of the celebrated London fashion house where Estella works early in her career as a designer, and her character is more in line with what we traditionally expect from Cruella herself, absent of any remorse or goodwill.
From wearing a scarlet letter to dancing through Los Angeles, Emma Stone has proven she has what it takes to wear the black and white wig, following the highly praised Glenn Close performance in Disney's 1996 live-action 101 Dalmatians. Over the years, she's built a resume of roles that showcase her ability to channel different genres, from her breakout roles in comedies like Easy A and Zombieland to becoming an awards favorite in dramas like Birdman, The Favourite, and La La Land, the latter of which earned her a Best Actress Oscar win. However, as the film progresses, we can expect to see Estella slowly embrace her dark side, which will both elevate her talents as a fashionista and bring her closer to her new identity as Cruella.Įmma Stone has been attached to play Cruella since 2016, and the film marks her debut on the Disney scene. From an early age, she notices that she is different from everyone else and tries to fit into society’s moral standards while embracing the outsider qualities that make her such an inspired designer.
RELATED: 'Cruella' Costume Designer Jenny Beavan Explains How She Made Pre-Dalmatian Fashion for the Disney PrequelĮmma Stone as Estella, a.k.a., Cruella De VilĮstella is an ambitious up-and-coming designer stepping into haute couture without the fear of risks. The cast includes both acclaimed Hollywood actors and rising stars, so we've put together a handy guide to all the main characters, how they tie into the original film, who's playing them, and where you might have seen them before. In this case, they will rewind to the 70s punk era and show how a young fashion designer Estella ( Emma Stone) started her career and increasingly became the Cruella we know in One Hundred and One Dalmatians.Īnd we don't just meet the young Cruella! The film also introduces the characters who play a part in her path to infamy, including plenty of familiar names from Disney's beloved 1961 animated film and a few new original characters, too. Following a similar approach to Maleficent, their live-action reimagining of Sleeping Beauty, Disney will once again uncover a villain’s past, taking a more sympathetic approach to the upbringing that influenced Cruella's devious nature. Her strong personality, unforgettable cackle, and obsession with puppy-skin fabrics will take on a new shape in the new live-action prequel, Cruella. Cruella De Vil is undeniably one of the most iconic villains within the Disney realm.