I, Tonya’s Craig Gillespie in talks to direct Emma Stone in Disney’s Cruella

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

"All right. Keep the little beasts. Do what you like with them. Drown them, for all I care. You're a fool, Anita! I have no use for fools. You're fired, you're finished, you'll never work in fashion again! I'm through with all of you! I'll get even! Just wait. You'll be sorry. You fools! You IDIOTS!"

– Cruella De Vil

As Disney continues to introduce live-action adaptations of their classic characters to a whole new generation of fans, it was only a matter of time before one of the studio's most reprehensible, insensitive, and vile villains, Cruella De Vil, would be given her time to shine up on the big screen. According to a recent report by Deadline Hollywood, I, TONYA director Craig Gillespie is in talks to direct the live-action, CRUELLA, with MANIAC and ZOMBIELAND alumna Emma Stone poised to play Disney's deranged diva.

It wasn't long ago that Broadway director-writer Alex Timbers was attached to helm the project. However, timing is everything in Hollywood, and according to those close to the film, Disney wanting to fast-track the movie into production conflicted with Timber's schedule. Which is totally understandable, particularly when you consider that Timber's is busy putting the final touches on the Broadway version of Tim Burton's BEETLEJUICE. What's more is that after he's wrapped on the Ghost with the Most musical, he's moving on to a stage version of MOULIN ROUGE. So yeah, dude is kinda busy these days. I'm sure that Gillespie is stoked to have been tapped for the high-profile gig, and I look forward to seeing him come aboard.

When CRUELLA comes to theaters, the action fantasy film will center on the ghastly Cruella De Vil, a foul fashionista who wants nothing more than to own a jacket made from the fur of 101 Dalmatian pups.

How do you think a Disney movie centering on a villain that revels in the concept of animal cruelty will sit with today's audiences? How far is the House of Mouse willing to go with regard to representing Cruella's true and vicious nature? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.