Cruella’s movie brought one of Disney’s most infamous villains back to the spotlight with a vibrant, edgy, and stylish origin story. Released in 2021, this reimagining of Cruella de Vil from 101 Dalmatians was a visual spectacle and a showcase of some remarkable acting talent. The [Cruella cast] played a huge role in turning this movie into a modern hit, making audiences both cheer and cringe as they unraveled the backstory of a character known for her ruthless ambition and love for fashion.
This article will dive deep into the [Cruella cast], exploring the talented actors and how their roles shaped this cinematic masterpiece. From leading stars to scene-stealing supporting characters, the magic of Cruella was indeed brought to life by this brilliant ensemble.
The Lead Role: Emma Stone as Cruella de Vil
Emma Stone’s portrayal of Estella, who later transforms into Cruella de Vil, mesmerizes. Known for her charm and versatility, Stone breathed new life into a character previously viewed only through the lens of villainy. She gave Estella depth, vulnerability, and an edge not explored in past adaptations.
Why Emma Stone Was the Perfect Choice
- Oscar-Winning Talent: Stone’s performance in La La Land showed her range, making her a fitting choice for such a complex character.
- Transformation on Screen: The evolution from the sweet and creative Estella to the bold, rebellious Cruella was portrayed with incredible nuance.
- Fashion and Flair: Emma’s natural charisma and ability to command the screen with dramatic flair made her ideal for a character known for her outrageous sense of style.
Emma Stone’s casting reinvigorated the character and added a fresh perspective, turning Cruella into a more profound and engaging story.
Emma Thompson as The Baroness
Playing opposite Emma Stone, Emma Thompson portrayed the icy, fashion-forward, and ruthlessly ambitious Baroness von Hellman. The Baroness is the reigning queen of the fashion world in Cruella’s universe, and she’s not one to give up her throne easily. Thompson’s portrayal was chilling, sharp, and delightfully wicked, making her the perfect foil to Stone’s character.
The Baroness: A True Villain?
While Cruella might be labeled as the villain in 101 Dalmatians, the Baroness takes on the role of the main antagonist in Cruella. Thompson’s portrayal captured this high-fashion tyrant’s cold, calculating, and sometimes even humorous side, turning her into a memorable character that people loved to hate.
Key Highlights of Emma Thompson’s Performance:
- Comic Timing: Thompson brought dark humor to her role, lighting the mood during intense scenes.
- Elegance and Power: Her portrayal of the Baroness was elegant yet terrifying, embodying the ruthless side of the fashion industry.
- Memorable Dialogue: Many of her lines were sharp and cutting, becoming some of the most quoted from the film.
Emma Thompson’s portrayal elevated the conflict in the film, making the showdown between her and Cruella a compelling and unforgettable part of the story.
Joel Fry as Jasper
Joel Fry played Jasper, one of Cruella’s loyal friends and accomplices. Jasper and Horace are characters from the original 101 Dalmatians, but Cruella gives them a deeper backstory and a closer relationship with the title character.
Jasper’s Loyalty and Wit
Jasper is portrayed as the more level-headed of the duo, often acting as the voice of reason to Cruella’s more impulsive tendencies. Fry’s portrayal brings warmth and depth to the character, showing his unwavering loyalty to Estella even as she descends into her Cruella persona.
- A New Take on a Classic Character: While Jasper in previous adaptations was more of a bumbling sidekick, Fry’s version is much more human and sympathetic.
- Chemistry with Cruella: Fry and Stone’s dynamic made their friendship believable, adding emotional weight to their interactions.
Paul Walter Hauser as Horace
Paul Walter Hauser stole the show as Horace, Jasper’s comedic partner-in-crime. Hauser’s performance brought much-needed humor to the film, balancing out its darker elements. His portrayal of Horace is endearing, turning what could have been a one-dimensional character into a fan favorite.
Horace’s Comic Relief
- Physical Comedy: Hauser’s background in comedy shines through in his portrayal of Horace, bringing slapstick humor and lighthearted moments to the film.
- Loyal but Clueless: Unlike Jasper, Horace is often clueless but still profoundly loyal to Cruella, adding charm to his character.
Paul Walter Hauser’s performance balanced the film’s darker tones, and his chemistry with both Fry and Stone helped make the trio’s bond feel authentic.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste as Anita Darling
Kirby Howell-Baptiste played Anita Darling, a familiar character from the 101 Dalmatians universe. In Cruella, Anita is portrayed as Estella’s old schoolmate, who becomes a tabloid journalist.
Anita’s Importance in the Story
- Bridging the Past and Present: Anita’s presence in the film serves as a nod to the original story while also helping to tie the fashion world of Cruella to the public’s perception.
- A More Modern Anita: Howell-Baptiste brought a modern sensibility to the role, turning Anita into a more proactive and empowered character.
John McCrea as Artie
John McCrea’s portrayal of Artie, a fashion-forward shop owner, added a colorful and fabulous touch to the film. Artie is one of Cruella’s allies in her rise to fame, and McCrea’s portrayal brings flair and heart to the character.
Artie: A Symbol of Individuality
- Representation of Individuality: Artie’s character, with his bold fashion sense and unapologetic confidence, stands as a symbol of embracing one’s true self, aligning perfectly with Cruella’s rebellious spirit.
- Fan Favorite: Artie quickly became a fan favorite for his charm, wit, and vibrant personality.
McCrea’s portrayal of Artie added a layer of inclusivity and empowerment to the movie, making Cruella feel more modern and relevant to today’s audiences.
Supporting Characters in Cruella Cast
Aside from the main cast, Cruella featured various supporting characters who contributed to the film’s dynamic storyline. Some of these roles include:
- Mark Strong as John: John is the Baroness’s loyal valet, and while his role appears straightforward at first, he plays a critical part in the story’s unfolding.
- Emily Beecham as Catherine: Catherine, Estella’s mother, plays a significant role in shaping her early life and eventual transformation into Cruella.
Each supporting character helped to build the world of Cruella, making the story more complex and emotionally rich.
Table: A Look at the Main [Cruella Cast] Members
ActorCharacterRole Description
Emma Stone Estella / Cruella de Vil The main character transforms from Estella to Cruella.
The Baroness von Hellman’s Antagonist, Emma Thompson, is an influential fashion designer.
Joel Fry Jasper Badun Estella’s loyal friend and partner in crime.
Paul Walter Hauser Horace Badun Jasper’s comical sidekick provides humor and loyalty.
Kirby Howell-Baptiste Anita, Darling Estella’s schoolmate turned journalist, is a modern take on a classic character.
John McCrea Artie is a bold and confident fashion shop owner and an ally of Cruella.
The Legacy of [Cruella Cast]
The [Cruella cast] successfully transformed a well-known Disney villain into a multi-dimensional character. Emma Stone’s magnetic performance, paired with Emma Thompson’s villainous portrayal of the Baroness and the supporting cast’s heartwarming performances, brought a new dimension to the story of Cruella. This fresh take on the classic tale showcases the immense talent of the [Cruella cast], offering a perfect blend of drama, humor, and fashion-forward fun.
Ultimately, the [Cruella cast] delivered performances that will remain unforgettable for years. Each actor brought something unique to their role, contributing to a film that’s as bold and stylish as its lead character. Whether you’re a fan of 101 Dalmatians or new to the world of Cruella, there’s no denying the magic this cast brought to the screen.
