The origin of a de Villain; Disney’s “Cruella” cast and creatives talk behind the scenes

Disney’s “Cruella” is the next major movie that the Mouse House studio is releasing on Disney+ with Premier Access. In it and like many of Disney’s live-action remakes to date, we get to learn of the backstory of one of Disney’s most infamous villains.

“Villains are always so fun to portray because you have more license to do things that aren’t quite appropriate,” said director Craig Gillespie. “I wanted there to be this grey area for Cruella as we see how she made her choices and eventually how those made her in the animated film.”

According to Gillespie, that meant exploring the story where nothing is “black and white” beyond the puppies Cruella loves herself (and which will be explained in the new film).

But there is so much more that the film gets into – namely how she became so mean.

Director Craig Gillespie on set.

“It’s definitely dark for a Disney movie,” said Emma Stone who plays Cruella. Emma Thompson, who plays the character The Baroness says that even her character “required no acting if you were to ask my husband,” she said about the equally mean character.

We also get to know how Cruella became rich and obsessed with fashion, too. Hundreds of wigs and dresses were created for the production, which nicely accented the 1960s-era London, where the film takes place.

For everyone involved including the Emmas, however, the hope was to be able to tell a story from why Cruella was the way she was, which takes a lot more effort and thought.

“I don’t think I would ever be able to play a character if I truly thought they’re just a villain,” said Emma Stone.

“Cruella” debuts in theaters and on Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28th. Look for our spoiler-free review soon!