Get ready to dive back into the wild, rebellious world of Cruella, because Disney’s fashion-fueled crime comedy is returning with Cruella 2, and it’s set to be a spectacular clash of style, vengeance, and punk rock flair! Following the 2021 blockbuster that redefined one of Disney’s most iconic villains, this sequel brings back Emma Stone as the electrifying Cruella de Vil, alongside Emma Thompson as the chilling Baroness von Hellman, with Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong rounding out a stellar cast. Directed by Craig Gillespie and penned by Tony McNamara, Cruella 2 is poised to hit Disney+ in 2026, promising a darker, more audacious chapter that blends the gritty edge of 1970s London with the high-stakes drama of a villain reborn. With a mid-credits scene from the first film teasing a 101 Dalmatians connection and whispers of a Godfather Part II-style prequel-sequel hybrid, this is one sequel that’s ready to steal the spotlight. Here’s why Cruella 2 is the must-watch event for fans of fashion, mischief, and cinematic chaos.
A Runway to Revenge: The Story So Far
The 2021 Cruella was a revelation, transforming the puppy-obsessed villain of 101 Dalmatians into a complex antihero with a punk rock edge. Set in 1970s London, the film followed Estella Miller (Emma Stone), a young grifter with a flair for fashion, whose dreams of becoming a designer led her to the ruthless Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson). Estella’s journey took a dark turn when she discovered the Baroness was not only her cruel boss but also her biological mother, responsible for the death of her adoptive mother, Catherine (Emily Beecham). Fueled by revenge, Estella embraced her alter ego, Cruella de Vil, and orchestrated a daring scheme to topple the Baroness, stealing her empire and her iconic Hellman Hall (now Hell Hall). The mid-credits scene set up a tantalizing future, showing Cruella gifting Dalmatians Pongo and Perdita to Roger (Kayvan Novak) and Anita Darling (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), hinting at a 101 Dalmatians tie-in.
Cruella 2 picks up where this bombshell left off, with Cruella now a notorious fashion icon ruling London’s underground scene. The sequel promises to explore her rise to infamy, weaving a story that could blend the present with flashbacks to the Baroness’s own villainous origins, inspired by Stone and Thompson’s vision for a Godfather Part II-style narrative. Expect a collision of past and present, with Cruella’s schemes growing bolder as she navigates new rivals, personal demons, and the looming shadow of her Dalmatian obsession. The 1970s punk rock aesthetic—think Vivienne Westwood meets heist thriller—will return, amplified by Jenny Beavan’s Oscar-winning costume design and a killer soundtrack that made the first film a sensory feast. With filming expected to begin soon, Cruella 2 is set to push the boundaries of Disney’s live-action universe, blending campy fun with a darker, more nuanced take on its titular antihero.
Emma Stone’s Cruella: A Star in Full Control
Emma Stone’s performance as Cruella de Vil was the beating heart of the first film, earning her praise for blending vulnerability, wit, and unhinged charisma. An Academy Award winner for La La Land, Stone brought a fresh spin to Cruella, making her both a misunderstood dreamer and a deliciously chaotic villain. In Cruella 2, she’s back as both star and executive producer, ensuring the character’s evolution stays true to her vision. Stone has teased that the sequel is “a work in progress,” expressing excitement about diving deeper into Cruella’s psyche. “Hopefully sooner rather than later,” she told Variety in 2024, hinting at her eagerness to don the iconic black-and-white wig again.
Cruella’s journey in the sequel will likely see her balancing her newfound power with the consequences of her revenge. The first film ended with her outsmarting the Baroness, inheriting Hell Hall, and setting the stage for 101 Dalmatians. But how does a grifter-turned-fashion-mogul become the fur-obsessed villain we know? Cruella 2 may explore her descent, with Stone’s performance expected to lean into the character’s duality—Estella’s lingering humanity versus Cruella’s ruthless ambition. Fans on X are already buzzing, with one calling Stone “hypnotic” and another predicting, “Emma’s gonna make Cruella 2 even wilder than the first!” Her ability to break the fourth wall, wink at the audience, and strut through London’s streets in jaw-dropping outfits will keep viewers hooked.
A Cast of Rogues and Rivals
The returning ensemble is a powerhouse, starting with Emma Thompson as the Baroness von Hellman, the narcissistic fashion legend whose cruelty birthed Cruella. Thompson, a two-time Oscar winner, stole scenes in the first film with her icy, sociopathic charm, making the Baroness a villain you love to hate. Her return raises questions: after being arrested for pushing Estella off a cliff, will the Baroness seek revenge from behind bars, or will flashbacks reveal her own rise to power? Thompson’s chilling performance, described by critics as “delightfully wicked,” promises to elevate the sequel’s stakes, especially if the Godfather Part II-style structure delves into her backstory.
Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser are back as Jasper and Horace, Cruella’s loyal but bumbling accomplices. Fry’s Jasper, the smarter of the two, brought heart to the trio’s dynamic, with hints of unrequited feelings for Estella adding depth. Hauser’s Horace, inspired by Bob Hoskins’ Mr. Smee, was a comedic standout, stealing laughs with his dim-witted charm. Their roles in Cruella 2 will likely see them navigating Cruella’s growing empire, possibly clashing with her over her increasingly ruthless plans. Hauser told Forbes in 2023 that he’s ready to return “anytime they want,” praising Stone and Gillespie’s leadership. Their chemistry with Stone, forged through heists and banter, will keep the sequel’s punk rock energy alive.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste returns as Anita Darling, Estella’s childhood friend turned gossip columnist, whose journalistic connections helped Cruella’s rise in the first film. Howell-Baptiste, known for The Good Place and Killing Eve, brings warmth and wit to Anita, setting up her role as the future owner of Perdita in 101 Dalmatians. Her expanded role could explore her loyalty to Cruella as the latter’s schemes grow darker. Mark Strong also reprises his role as John, the Baroness’s loyal valet who helped Cruella uncover her true parentage. Strong, a veteran of Kingsman and Sherlock Holmes, adds gravitas to the cast, and his character’s allegiance—now tied to Cruella—could spark new conflicts.
Rumors swirl about additional cast members, with fans hoping for Glenn Close, the original live-action Cruella from 101 Dalmatians (1996) and 102 Dalmatians (2000), to make a cameo. Close, an executive producer on the first film, could bridge the old and new, especially if the sequel ties directly to 101 Dalmatians. There’s also speculation about new faces, with names like Scarlett Johansson previously linked to Disney projects, though no confirmations have surfaced.
A Punk Rock Revolution Continues
Directed by Craig Gillespie, known for I, Tonya and Lars and the Real Girl, Cruella 2 will retain the first film’s vibrant, anarchic energy. Gillespie’s ability to blend dark humor with emotional depth made the original a critical and commercial hit, earning $233.5 million at the box office and two Oscar nominations, including one for Jenny Beavan’s costume design. The sequel’s 1970s London setting will dive deeper into the punk rock revolution, with Vivienne Westwood-inspired outfits, gritty street vibes, and a soundtrack featuring bands like Supertramp, whose “Bloody Well Right” set the tone in the first film. Beavan’s costumes—described as “eyeball-popping” by Rolling Stone—will again be a highlight, with Cruella’s over-the-top gowns and rebellious looks stealing the show.
The Godfather Part II-style approach, proposed by Stone and Thompson, could weave the Baroness’s origins with Cruella’s present, exploring how both women became monsters in their own right. This structure would add depth to the franchise, showing the cyclical nature of ambition and betrayal. The first film’s mid-credits scene, with Cruella gifting Dalmatians to Roger and Anita, sets up a potential 101 Dalmatians prequel, but Cruella 2 may take liberties with canon, crafting an original story that deepens her villainy. Fans on Reddit speculate about new villains—perhaps a rival designer or a figure from Cruella’s past—while others predict a focus on her growing obsession with Dalmatians, hinted at by her complex relationship with the Baroness’s dogs.
A Fashionable Feast with High Stakes
Cruella 2 is a high-stakes bet for Disney, following the first film’s success on Disney+ Premier Access and at the box office. The original’s 91% Rotten Tomatoes score and praise for its “nuanced origin” (Screen Rant) set a high bar, but the sequel’s darker tone and ambitious narrative could push it further. The first film blended The Devil Wears Prada with Ocean’s Eleven and Harley Quinn, creating a heist-comedy with a punk rock soul. Cruella 2 aims to up the ante, with more audacious schemes, jaw-dropping fashion, and emotional stakes as Cruella grapples with her identity.
The cast’s chemistry, led by Stone’s magnetic performance, is a major draw. Thompson’s Baroness, described as “chilling” by critics, will keep the tension high, while Fry and Hauser’s comedic timing adds levity. Howell-Baptiste’s Anita and Strong’s John ground the story in loyalty and betrayal, making every twist feel personal. Social media is abuzz, with fans tweeting, “Cruella 2 with Emma Stone and that punk vibe? Take my money!” and “Can’t wait to see how Cruella becomes the Dalmatian queen!” The film’s rumored Disney+ release in 2026, following delays due to Stone and Gillespie’s schedules, has only heightened anticipation.
Why Cruella 2 Is Unmissable
Cruella 2 is more than a sequel—it’s a bold reimagining of a Disney classic, blending style, rebellion, and raw emotion. With Emma Stone at the helm, a powerhouse cast, and Gillespie’s visionary direction, it promises to be a visual and emotional spectacle. Whether it’s Cruella’s next heist, the Baroness’s revenge, or the origins of her Dalmatian obsession, the sequel will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Stream the first Cruella on Disney+ to catch up, and brace for a punk rock revolution that’s as fashionable as it is ferocious. Cruella 2 is coming to steal your heart—and maybe a few Dalmatians—on Disney+ in 2026. Hello, cruel world!
