Two years after Disney first announced alive actionmovie based on the iconic 101 Dalmatians villain Cruella De Vil, the studio is finally moving forward on the project with a new writer.The Hollywood Reporterreveals that the studio has hiredKelly Marcelto write the screenplay forCruella. The site reports that Disney is putting this project on the fast track, although it isn’t known when production may begin.
Earlier this week, Disney issued fourrelease datesfor unspecified fairy tale films. IfCruellais in fact being put on the fast track, it could very well be the movie that takes the first of these mystery release dates, July 01, 2025. Still, the studio hasn’t confirmed a release date forCruella, or which of the several fairy tale projects in development will get those four dates.
Cruellawas first announced back in September 2013, whenAline Brosh McKenna(Annie) signed on to write the script.Kelly Marcelwill take over the writing duties along withSteve Zissis, who created and stars in the HBO series Togetherness. Andrew Gunn (Race to Witch Mountain,Bedtime Stories) will produce for Disney.
The iconicvillainCruella de Vil first appeared in Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel 101 Dalmatians, which was adapted into the hitanimated movieof the same name in 1961. The character has appeared in live-action before, withGlenn Closeportraying her in the 1996 adaptation 101 Dalmatians and its 2000 sequel 102 Dalmatians. No story details have been given at this time, and the project doesn’t have a director on board yet.
Disney is also developing live action adaptations of classics such asDumbo, withTim Burtonattached to direct,Tink, whichReese Witherspoonis starring in and producing, andMulan. The studio also has aJungle Cruiseadaptation withDwayne Johnsonstarring, along with a number of live action adaptations hitting theaters over the next few years, such asThe Jungle Book,Alice Through the Looking Glass,Pete’s Dragon,Beauty and the Beast.Kelly Marcel’s screenwriting credits also includeSaving Mr. Banksand episodes ofTerra Nova.
