Cruella

Cruella de Vil, commonly referred to as Cruella, is a fictional antagonist created by Dodie Smith in The Hundred and One Dalmatians (1956) and adapted by Disney for film and television. She is depicted as a wealthy, fashion-obsessed villain who schemes to steal Dalmatian puppies to manufacture a fur coat, making her one of Disney's most enduring foes. The character is best known for her stark black-and-white coiffure and extravagant wardrobe, which have become iconic in popular culture.

In Disney's 1961 animated feature 101 Dalmatians, Cruella serves as the principal antagonist, her plan foiled by the protagonists and her schemes enacted with the aid of accomplices Horace and Jasper. The portrayal emphasizes her vanity, ruthlessness, and disregard for animal welfare.

The character was expanded in live-action adaptations, most notably the 1996 film 101 Dalmatians, in which Cruella is portrayed by Glenn Close; her backstory and motivations are explored, and the film spawned a 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians.

A 2021 feature, titled Cruella, offers an origin story for Estella, who adopts the Cruella persona as an adult. Set in 1970s London during the punk era, the film follows her development as a fashion designer and her feud with the Baroness von Hellman, while broadening the villain's anti-fur stance and her eventual emergence as Cruella de Vil. The film stars Emma Stone and was directed by Craig Gillespie.

Cruella remains a recognizable figure in popular culture, appearing in various adaptations, merchandise, and media, and is frequently cited in discussions of Disney villains and film fashion.