THR is reporting that Oscar-winner Emma Thompson is in talks with Disney to join Cruella, the studio’s Maleficent-style live-action origin story for 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella de Vil.
Cruella is being directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) from a script by Tony McNamara (The Favourite) and will see Emma Stone (La La Land) starring in the title role in what is said to be an early 80s-set tale with a punk vibe.
Thompson’s part is being kept under wraps, but it had been reported back in March that she was on the shortlist for the key role of an antagonist called ‘The Baroness’ alongside Nicole Kidman, Charlize Theron, Julianne Moore and Demi Moore.
The casting reunites Thompson with Disney, the actress having portrayed Mary Poppins creator P.L. Travers in Saving Mr. Banks, as well as playing Mrs. Potts in the live-action Beauty and the Beast remake.
Cruella is set for release on December 23rd 2020.
Originally published May 20, 2019. Updated May 19, 2019.
