Disney reportedly proposed a drastically different plan for how to unleash Cruella on the world.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney, despite being initially extremely confident in the project, considered giving Cruella a Disney+ exclusive release during 2020. This was reportedly due to uncertainty stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Had Disney gone the Disney+ route, the studio would have been forced to deliver buyout payments to the film's creative participants.
However, both star Emma Stone and director Craig Gillespie shot down the Disney+ exclusive concept and insisted on delivering Cruella on the big screen. Eventually, the movie was given a simultaneous release in theaters and as a Disney+ Premier Access title.
Through its theatrical run, Cruella grossed $221.9 million worldwide, including $85.8 million domestically, making it one of the higher-grossing films to date in 2021. In a positive sign for how Disney viewed the film's financial performance, the company recently signed Stone to a lucrative deal to reprise the role of Cruella de Vil in a sequel. This comes after rumors that Stone was "weighing her options" in terms of following in Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson's footsteps, who recently sued Disney over the Marvel film's hybrid release strategy.
Directed by Craig Gillespie, Cruella stars Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Paul Walter Hauser, Joel Fry, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste and Mark Strong. The film is currently available in theaters, on Disney+ Premier Access and for purchase from digital retailers.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter