Disney’s latest live-action film Cruella gives us the backstory of the villain we love to hate.
Best-known for her plan to skin 101 Dalmatian puppies and turn them into a coat, we now get to see how Cruella came to be.
Not all is as it seems as we delve into the rich backstory of the orphan who grew up on the streets of London, fighting to become a world-famous fashion designer through any means possible.
Meet the cast who helped her come to life…
Emma Stone
Emma Stone plays the titular Cruella de Vil, and plays her very well. Following her rise as a fashion designer in the 1970s, we learn how little Estella Miller became Cruella de Vil, the villain we love to hate.
Emma is proven to shine in earnest, innocent roles (think Easy A, Crazy Stupid Love, La La Land), so Cruella has given her an excellent chance to show off her range. This talented actress can do mad and scary as well as she can do cute and endearing.
Emma Thompson
The brilliant Emma Thompson also joins the cast as Baroness von Hellman, Estella’s new boss, biological mother, and her eventual rival – talk about complicated.
Emma Thompson’s stony face and perfect posture bring a The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep vibe to the production, which is perfect considering Meryl was the very first Cruella!
Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser
Brothers Jasper and Horace Badun didn’t have a lot to go on in the animated film, but they are brought to life in the live-action prequel by brilliant actors Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser.
Joel is best known for his work in Game of Thrones, while Paul boasts roles in the films I, Tonya and BlacKkKlansman. Growing up alongside Cruella on the streets, the pair are there to help her from the very start.
Emily Beecham
An antidote to Emma Thompson’s coldness, Emily Beecham plays Catherine, Cruella’s adoptive mother.
She pulls Cruella out of school when she notices her cruel and rebellious streak, but her attempts to help her daughter might just blow up in her face.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste
The Good Place actress Kirby Howell-Baptiste plays Anita Darling, Cruella’s childhood friend who is working as a gossip columnist.
She has some very astute observations about Cruella’s character.
John McCrea
John McCrea’s Artie is a member of Cruella’s entourage and the owner of a vintage fashion store. He is also the first openly gay character originally created for a live-action Disney film. The talented McCrea also contributed to the film’s soundtrack, recording a cover version of The Stooge’s I Wanna Be Your Dog.
Cruella is now playing in cinemas or can be found on Disney+ with Premier Access.
WATCH BELOW: Emma Stone tipped to play Cruella de Vil!
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