Most 101 Dalmations fans would assume that Cruella de Vil is the worst character in Cruella, but this is not the case. Despite receiving mixed reviews for several of its live-action remakes, The Walt Disney Company continues to produce live-action renditions of its famous classic films and characters. The latest live-action film tells the genesis tale of the 101 Dalmatians franchise’s evil Cruella de Vil. Fans know and love Cruella, but they have no idea why the Dalmation-hating diva is the way she is until now. Villain origin stories aren’t often easy to tell, but most agree that Disney pulls it correctly with this one, producing a fascinating ensemble of villains.
About the Film: Cruella
Cruella is a 2021 crime film inspired by Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians’ character Cruella de Vil. Craig Gillespie directed the film, written by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara and based on a tale by Aline Brosh McKenna, Kelly Marcel, and Steve Zissis. It is the third live-action adaption in the 101 Dalmatians series and acts as a reboot story for the main character. Disney Pictures announced the development in 2013, with Andrew serving as producer. Stone was cast as Cruella in the previous live-action adaptations, 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians, in 2016 and works as an executive producer on the picture alongside Glenn Close, who portrayed Cruella in the earlier live-action adaptations, 101 Dalmatians and 102 Dalmatians.
About the Character: Gerald
Gerald (Jamie Demetrious) may appear to be a well-intentioned store manager, but he is not. He works as the store manager, or cashier, at Liberty, a business selling the Baronesses’ designs regularly. He also becomes Estella/cruel Cruella’s boss. Gerald will go to any length to ensure that the Baronesses perceive him in the best light possible, even if it means throwing others under the bus. When Estella/Cruella starts working, he dislikes her. That, but he claims credit for her creations, which is one of the most severe violations.
Jamie Demetriou as Gerald:
Gerald is played by Jamie Demetriou. Gerald works as a clerk at Liberty, the Baroness’ London fashion store. When Estella starts working at the store, he dislikes her and tries everything he can to impress the Baroness, even if it means throwing others under the bus. Jamie Demetriou is a screenwriter and actor who has appeared in Fleabag, Hulu’s The Great, Paddington 2, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Miracle Workers, and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
How does the Plot Begin?
Estella is a child with a talent for fashion in 1964 England, but she is bullied because of her odd hair and develops a devious streak. Catherine, her mother, plans to relocate them to London, stopping at a reception at Hellman Hall to solicit funds from the host. Estella sneaks inside and loses her mother’s necklace while being pursued by the host’s ferocious Dalmatians, who push Catherine off a cliffside balcony to her death. Estella, an orphan, flees to London and befriends street urchins Jasper and Horace. Estella conducts theft and grifts with Jasper and Horace ten years later in 1974, improving her fashion abilities by designing their disguises alongside their canines, Buddy and Wink.
How does the Plot End?
Cruella frees Jasper and Horace from prison and discloses the truth to them and Artie and John for her final ploy. The quintet sneaks into the Baroness’ charity event, where all the guests are dressed as Cruella de Vil. Estella confronts her mother, and the Baroness pretends to embrace her before shoving her off the cliff in front of her guests. Estella escapes with a hidden parachute and, now legally dead, returns to her Cruella guise for good. The Baroness is apprehended after swearing vengeance on Cruella De Vil. Estella willed her inheritance to Cruella before her “death,” including the manor, which she renames Hell Hall and moves into with her accomplices. Cruella presents Anita and Roger with Dalmatian puppies in a mid-credits scene.
In 2013, a live-action Cruella de Vil film was announced based on the character from Disney’s 101 Dalmatians franchise. The film was produced by Andrew Gunn, with Glenn Close serving as executive producer and Kelly Marcel editing the script written by Aline Brosh McKenna. Emma Stone was cast as the lead role of Cruella de Vil in January 2016. During the D23 Expo in August 2019, it was confirmed that Cruella’s primary filming had already begun. During the event, the first official image from the film, starring Stone as Cruella de Vil with three adult dalmatians on a leash, Hauser as Horace, and Fry as Jasper, was also revealed.
