‘Cruella’ Director Craig Gillespie Teases Possible Sequel With Emma Stone’s Disney Villain Return

Disney’s Cruella may not have been designed as a franchise starter at first, but the film is still generating conversation years after its release. Directed by Craig Gillespie, the 2021 movie reimagined one of Disney’s most famous villains and turned her origin story into a stylish, punk-inspired drama led by Emma Stone.

In a recent interview with The Playlist, Craig Gillespie briefly addressed the possibility of returning to the world of Cruella. While promoting his newer projects, including work on television and other films, he was asked directly about a sequel.

His response was simple but open-ended. He said, “It’s possible,” and added, “That’s going to be something else that’s on the agenda.” He also made it clear that he is currently focused on several other commitments, which means any continuation of Cruella would not happen immediately.

Despite the uncertainty, interest in a sequel remains strong, mainly because the first film managed to stand out in a crowded wave of Disney live-action adaptations. Released in 2021, Cruella followed a younger version of Cruella de Vil as she evolves from a talented but struggling fashion designer into a rebellious figure in the London fashion scene. Set during the 1970s punk movement, the film built its identity around bold visuals, sharp costumes, and a loud, energetic tone.

Emma Stone’s performance was central to the film’s success. She gave Cruella a mix of charm, instability, humor, and ambition that made the character feel new rather than recycled. Instead of simply retelling the villain’s future story from 101 Dalmatians, the film focused on her emotional transformation and rivalry with Baroness von Hellman, played by Emma Thompson.

The movie was also a strong performer at the box office. It earned around $233.5 million worldwide, which was a solid result given its release during the pandemic era when theaters were still recovering. It also gained attention during awards season, particularly for its costume design, which won an Academy Award. The fashion-heavy aesthetic of the film became one of its defining traits and helped set it apart from other Disney remakes.

Critically, Cruella received generally positive reactions. It holds a 75% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, while audiences responded even more strongly with a 97% rating. Many viewers praised its energy, soundtrack, and visual creativity, even if some felt the story took liberties with Disney canon.

Over time, Cruella has developed a kind of cult following within Disney’s modern live-action lineup. Unlike more straightforward remakes, it took a risk by reshaping a classic villain into a sympathetic, complicated lead character. That creative direction is part of why fans continue to ask for a sequel.

While Craig Gillespie’s comments do not confirm anything, they keep the door open. With Emma Stone’s continued rise in Hollywood and the character’s strong reception, Cruella remains one of Disney’s more flexible properties. Whether it returns soon or later, the film’s impact on modern Disney storytelling is already firmly established.

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