From Cruella 1 to Cruella 2—Why This Revamp Ruined Disney’s Beloved Hit! - Carbonext
From Cruella 1 to Cruella 2: Why This Revamp Ruined Disney’s Beloved Hit
From Cruella 1 to Cruella 2: Why This Revamp Ruined Disney’s Beloved Hit
Disney’s Cruella premiered with excitement in 2021, promising a fresh, stylized take on the iconic villain from One Hundred and One Dalmatians. The film introduced Cruella de Vil as a glamorous, fashion-obsessed antiheroine, blending dark humor with sharp style. But for many fans, Cruella 2021 fell short—its revamp disrupted what made the original so beloved, sacrificing depth, authenticity, and heart for flashy aesthetics and formulaic storytelling. Here’s why Cruella 2—if it ever comes—must honor the soul of the first film.
The Lost Magic of Cruella 1
The original Cruella was a gem of modern Disney storytelling. Elle (portrayed by Emma Stones) balanced sass, vulnerability, and ambition, capturing Cruella’s transformation from 1960s fashion icon to fiery dreamer. The film wove melancholy with wit, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and what it means to be misunderstood. Its visuals—bold colors, sharp tailoring, and stylized 1960s Hollywood glamour—complemented its narrative, making Cruella an unforgettable antiheroine.
Understanding the Context
What Went Wrong in the Revamp?
While Cruella 2 remains in development limbo—repeatedly delayed and shrouded in creative uncertainty—the initial changes signal a shift away from the spirit that charmed audiences:
1. Loss of Emotional Depth
The sequel risks reducing Cruella to a surface-level fashion icon rather than a complex character. The original offered emotional resonance through Elle’s personal journey and Cruella’s bittersweet struggle for recognition. Without that emotional core, Cruella becomes just another sharpshooting villain, lacking the gravitas that made her captivating.
2. Stylization Over Substance
The stylish visual palette shifts from heartfelt nostalgia to overly polished, modern aesthetics. While cool aesthetics attract attention, Disney’s greatest strength has always been storytelling grounded in authentic character arcs. Sacrificing depth for style alienates fans who connected with the original’s emotional authenticity.
3. Dilution of Story
Early concepts for Cruella 2 hint at a broader narrative—perhaps exploring Cruella’s origins or her impact on family—and even potential sequels bridging past and present. Instead, reports suggest a self-contained tale with less depth, losing opportunities to expand an already rich universe.
Key Insights
4. Cultural Misalignment
Cruella’s original identity blends mid-century fashion elegance with tragic loneliness. The revamp’s emphasis on contemporary style risks cultural toning down the character’s multidimensionality, making her feel less timeless and more like a crafted trend.
Why Fans Miss the First Cruella
Cruella’s appeal lies in her contradictions: fierce yet flawed, reckless yet relatable, glamorous yet emotionally wounded. Her evolution—from embracing her individuality to being consumed by it—mirrors real struggles with identity and acceptance. Cruella 1 gave audiences a mirror to reflect on ambition, self-worth, and resilience. A rushed or style-heavy sequel risks losing that connection.
What Could Have Been (and What Future Projects Should Change)
A successful revival would honor Cruella’s legacy by:
- Deepening her backstory—exploring motivations rooted in artistic rejection and societal marginalization.
- Balancing fashion as expression, not just backdrop—a visually stunning yet meaningful costume design.
- Creating a narrative arc that matches Disney’s tradition of character-driven villainy.
- Embracing the character’s tragic duality rather than flattening her into mere spectacle.
Final Thoughts
Cruella 2 has yet to arrive, and its current state threatens to diminish a beloved Disney classic. While reinvention can breathe new life into cherished stories, respecting the heart of what made Cruella 1 unforgettable is key. Fans deserve more than nostalgia—they deserve a Cruella who stuns visually and deeply resonates emotionally. Until Cruella 2 lives up to its name and intent, Disney’s revamped villain risks becoming another step backward.
Stay tuned—true legacy villains never fade, they evolve… but only when their soul stays intact.
