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Cruella (film)

Cruella is a 2021 American crime comedy-drama film that serves as an origin story for Cruella de Vil, the villain from Dodie Smith’s The Hundred and One Dalmatians.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Cruella is a 2021 American crime comedy-drama film that serves as an origin story for Cruella de Vil, the villain from Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians. Directed by Craig Gillespie and starring Emma Stone, it is set in 1970s London and follows Estella Miller's transformation into the iconic character. The film was produced by Walt Disney Pictures and released on May 28, 2021.

Premise

The film follows Estella Miller, an aspiring fashion designer and grifter in 1970s London, as she becomes the character known as Cruella de Vil. Its story reframes the classic villain as an ambitious figure in the fashion world.

Production

Cruella was directed by Craig Gillespie from a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, with additional story material by Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel, and Steve Zissis. Walt Disney Pictures produced the film with Marc Platt Productions and Gunn Films.

Cast and characters

Emma Stone plays the title role, with Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong in supporting roles. The film centers on Estella's relationship with her rivals and allies in London's fashion and criminal scenes.

Release

The film premiered in 2021 and was released on May 28, 2021. It ran 134 minutes and was rated PG-13.

Key facts

  • Cruella is based on Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians and functions as a backstory for Cruella de Vil.
  • The film is the third live-action adaptation in the 101 Dalmatians franchise.
  • It is set in London during the 1970s punk rock movement.
  • Emma Stone plays Estella Miller, who develops the persona of Cruella de Vil.
  • Emma Thompson appears as Baroness von Hellman, one of the film's main antagonists.
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Canadian context

The film was widely available to Canadian audiences through its international theatrical release and Disney+ distribution model, making it part of the broader Disney franchise consumed in Canada.[12]

Frequently asked questions

What is Cruella about?
It is an origin story showing how Estella Miller becomes Cruella de Vil, set in 1970s London.
Who directed Cruella?
Cruella was directed by Craig Gillespie.
Who stars in Cruella?
Emma Stone stars as Cruella, with Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong in supporting roles.
When was Cruella released?
It was released on May 28, 2021.
What is Cruella based on?
It is based on Dodie Smith's The Hundred and One Dalmatians and on the Cruella de Vil character associated with the franchise.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruella_(film)
    Supports: Basic film credits, synopsis, production companies, franchise context, release year, and setting.
  2. Disney — https://movies.disney.com/cruella
    Supports: Official release date, runtime, rating, cast, genre, and synopsis.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3228774/
    Supports: Plot summary and title information.
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3228774/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary focused on Estella's transformation.