Emma Stone, an Oscar winner, has signed a deal to feature in the Cruella sequel, which is a positive indication for Disney as it seeks to recruit talent in the wake of criticism of its theatrical-Disney+ Premier strategy.

Cruella was one of the first films to have a hybrid distribution under the Disney banner. This has recently been applied to Black Widow and Jungle Cruise. It’s worth noting that Disney isn’t the only firm that uses this releasing approach on an irregular basis. With blockbusters like Mortal Kombat and Godzilla vs. Kong, Warner Bros. Pictures has used a similar strategy.

With Scarlett Johansson’s recent lawsuit revealing that this hybrid situation was quite unfair to the stars, we recently learned that Emma Stone was mulling a lawsuit of her own against Disney. Stone was reported to be taking action in respect to Cruella’s simultaneous debut on Disney+.

Even if the story was accurate, it may have been put to bed now that Stone has secured a deal for Cruella.

On May 26th, Cruella due to the pandemic, was released in cinemas and on Disney + PVOD.

Cruella is a Disney spinoff of the 1961 animated picture 101 Dalmatians (as well as the live action remake from 1996). Cruella De Vil’s (Emma Stone) roots are discussed in it, showing the villainess’ climb from modest beginnings to the fashion diva she would eventually be renowned as.

Emma Stone acted as executive producer alongside Glenn Close, in addition to acting in the title role.

Emma Stone has closed the deal for a sequel to Cruella. (Images: Disney)

Cruella 2 isn’t due out for a while, and it’s unclear if it’ll be a strictly theatrical release or, like its predecessor, will be released simultaneously in theaters and at home.

Disney’s new distribution approach is divisive, especially when it comes to the earnings from bonuses and backend pay that performers and production teams receive based on box office receipts.

Before Stone’s confirmation, the sequel was already in the works, with director Craig Gillespie and writer Tony McNamara, both of whom worked on the original picture.

“While the media landscape has been severely disrupted for all distributors, their creative partners cannot stand aside to carry a disproportionate lack of growth potential. This agreement demonstrates that there can be a fair way forward that protects artists and aligns studio interests with talent. We are proud to work with Emma and Disney and appreciate the studio’s willingness to acknowledge its contribution as a creative partner. We hope this will open the door for more members of the creative community to participate in the success of the new platforms. ” – Endeavor Executive Chairman Patrick Whitesell said of Stone’s Cruella 2 deal.

Cruella had a worldwide box office total of $221 million. However, the precise figures for Disney+ Premier Access earnings have not been published, and there have already been rumors that the film was successful enough to warrant a sequel.

Emma Stone’s Cruella 2 contract, according to reports, benefits both parties, particularly at a time when Disney is still evaluating the dynamic window strategy for its event films.

For Disney, building Cruella as an icon to depend on for future, more steady box office success is the long game.