Disney Has Dropped a "Cruella" Teaser Trailer and Fans Have Mixed Feelings

The film is due for release in May.

Viewers have finally got a proper look at Disney's upcoming live-action film Cruella, after the teaser trailer was dropped earlier this week. It’s pretty fair to say that no one really expected a prequel to 101 Dalmations, but we're definitely here for it.

The film aims to tell the rebellious past of one of the most evil (and fashionable) villains from our childhoods, Cruella de Vil, played by none other than Oscar-winner Emma Stone.

Brilliant. Bad. A little bit mad. May 2021. pic.twitter.com/K9pKz4pVng

— Cruella (@cruella) February 17, 2021

So, if you’re as confused as I am about the movie's plot, here’s the gist of it.

Set in 1970s London, the flick follows a young grifter named Estella (Emma Stone) trying to make her way in the world as a fashion designer. After befriending two thieves, she starts to build a life for herself on the streets of London.

Eventually, her designs are noticed by Baroness von Hellman (Emma Thompson) and makes her way in the fashion world. But soon after meeting, their relationship starts a series of events that cause Estella to find the darker sides of herself, ultimately becoming the evil, revenge-bent (yet still fashionable) Cruella de Vil.

Essentially, the film tells us the backstory of how Cruella becomes the evil, dog coat wearing villain we all know from 101 Dalmatians, however, the choice to unravel her past has caused some controversy online.

Many viewers of the trailer have criticised the decision to tell Cruella’s story, claiming that explaining why she became so evil is a sneaky way to get audiences to excuse her puppy-killing behaviour.

I am so for this with other villains, but I guess I’m having bc trouble wrapping my head around anything that explains killing puppies. Could be a me problem lol

— Elle Bee Are (@elle_bee_are) February 17, 2021

Personally, I love knowing why a villain became villains. People aren’t inherently good, nor are they inherently evil, so why should films portray them that way? What is so bad about giving villains a backstory?

— Qianna (@NicGraise) February 17, 2021

"I'm not like other girls, I kill dogs." - Cruella 2021.

— Tharries (@TharriesYT) February 17, 2021

Some have even pointed out that if characters as evil as Cruella de Vil can get an empathetic backstory, that all villains should. Yikes.

Can't wait to see a live action version of her, so we can empathise with her actions. 🙃 pic.twitter.com/TJDq62dqNc

— Delta_Dellas (@Dat_Hoody_Guy) February 17, 2021

On the other side of the coin, many viewers have been quick to compare this version of Cruella with the Joker, particularly Joaquin Phoenix’s portrayal in 2019's Joker.

Christ, does every villain in film history need to be jokerfied? pic.twitter.com/l80OIvDpM0

— Matias Flores! (@MatteFlowers) February 17, 2021

It looks like the Joker with a female lead.

— eRobin (@eRobin) February 18, 2021

Joker vs Cruella
Joker is better imo pic.twitter.com/OyTHP09lSg

— Mohamed Enieb (@its_menieb) February 17, 2021

While there is some debate around the film, some fans of Emma Stone are just excited to see her performance, especially considering she looks completely unrecognisable in the role.

Emma Stone will always understand the assignment pic.twitter.com/HIlunX54Th

— BluRay𝔸ngel (@BluRayAngel) February 17, 2021

no thoughts, just emma stone as cruella de vil pic.twitter.com/JVjmBO0mwI

— holly (@filmsbymargot) February 17, 2021

Emma Stone as Cruella.
Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn.

The crossover I never knew I needed. pic.twitter.com/OWbF8OwjLc

— Jay.. (@x_warinmymind) February 17, 2021

Emma Stone didn’t have to snap this hard as Cruella de Vil, but SHE DID. pic.twitter.com/WXUiWo5Iom

— alias - WV SPOILERS (@itsjustanx) February 17, 2021

but will emma stone’s cruella be able to top this pic.twitter.com/bNjCZVBpe9

— daniel gay lewis (@phqntomthrd) February 18, 2021

Directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya) the film is due in cinemas in May 2021.

Header Image: Disney