With the script for Cruella 2 already completed, anticipation is building for the return of cinema’s most fashionable villain — and all signs point to a 2026 or 2027 release. The sequel is set to revisit the bold and stylized universe introduced in the first film, which reimagined the origin story of 101 Dalmatians’ infamous antagonist with Emma Stone in the lead role. But what exactly was left unresolved and could now be explored in the new story?

At the end of Cruella (2021), we see Estella fully embrace her alter ego, Cruella De Vil, faking her own death and legally inheriting the Baroness’s mansion — now renamed “Hell Hall,” the iconic residence from the original cartoon. In the final scene, Cruella gifts two Dalmatian puppies, Pongo and Perdita, to Roger and Anita, key characters from the classic tale. This moment directly opens the door to connect the prequel to the events of 101 Dalmatians, sparking curiosity about how Cruella will go from rebellious anti-hero to a woman who would consider stealing puppies for a coat.

That transformation is far from complete — and it’s exactly where the sequel could dive deeper. The first film paints a portrait of a bold, chaotic woman, but one who is never truly cruel, especially not to dogs. Will the new script dare to take her into darker territory? Or will Disney continue reshaping her villainy as a reaction to a cruel world rather than innate evil?

Another unresolved thread is Cruella’s complex relationship with the Baroness, played by Emma Thompson. The Baroness is still alive, in prison, and knows Cruella’s deepest secrets — including the fact that she is her biological daughter. A return from Thompson, even in a smaller role, could deepen the family drama or reinforce the legacy of manipulation and ambition that Cruella seems both to inherit and reject.

Other characters also deserve revisiting. Jasper and Horace, Cruella’s loyal partners in crime, played key roles in her rise — but by the end of the film, cracks in their relationship were beginning to show. Now that Cruella has fully embraced a more egocentric and authoritarian persona, how will their dynamic shift? Could their loyalty be tested?

Beyond the plot, speculation around the production adds even more intrigue. Emma Stone is confirmed to return and will also serve as a producer, which signals that the character will continue to be shaped as a complex, layered anti-heroine. Whether Emma Thompson will reprise her role remains under wraps — but fans are hoping.

The costumes, one of the most acclaimed aspects of the first film (which won an Oscar), might once again be designed by Jenny Beavan — though no official confirmation has been made. Fans expect the sequel to continue its ’70s punk-inspired aesthetic while possibly evolving toward the glitz and excess of the ’80s, as Cruella’s image becomes closer to her animated counterpart.

Director Craig Gillespie is signed to return, which is a welcome decision. He balanced satire and drama with a steady hand in the first film, making Cruella’s eccentricity feel authentic without losing narrative control. The soundtrack, which played a crucial role in the film’s success by blending rock classics with stylish rebellion, is expected to keep that same punchy attitude — maybe even with an original track this time around, as the character grows into a true pop icon.

Visually and musically striking, Cruella created a universe of its own — a stylized punk version of London that thrilled fashion lovers and film buffs alike. Cruella 2 is expected to match that energy while pushing the story closer to the events of 101 Dalmatians. The real question remains: how do you turn a charismatic rebel into a full-fledged villain — and still have the audience rooting for her?