Let’s Discuss Cruella!

Posted by Rebecca - 08 Jun 2021
Cruella is one of the first feature films that has had a cinema release since the cinema industry has reopened. Uni-versal extras supplied extras and casting support for Cruella in London

Cruella has finally been released and it’s already got everyone talking! Based on the rise of the infamous Villain, Cruella de Vil, the Disney Blockbuster is going from strength to strength with rave reviews all-around. We loved working on this production so we thought we’d take a closer look!

Evil, it’s in the name!

Cruella is the latest addition to Disney’s live-action repertoire, acting as a prequel to the classic story, 101 Dalmatians. Starring Emma Stone and Emma Thompson, the movie has had a buzz surrounding it ever since the first teaser trailer was released earlier this year. The story follows a young fashion designer named Estella, who later becomes the villain that we all know as Cruella de Vil. Taking inspiration from her stubborn, highly successful boss, as well as two thieves that she meets along the way, Estella finds her appetite for evil and the rest, as they say, is history!

The feature film was released on 28th May on Disney+, and it was also released in cinemas just after their nationwide reopening. On it’s first weekend, Cruella made £1.5million in UK cinemas, which isn’t bad at all considering the number of people attending screenings has been reduced due to social distancing. The film has been receiving plenty of great reviews, even being labelled the ‘freshest’ out of all of the Disney live-action films so far!

We are thrilled to have supplied a number of extras and Supporting Artists for Cruella. It is so exciting to see our film and TV extras working at amazing locations in and around London, such as Liberty and beautiful manor houses such as Knebworth House. The film is set in the ’60s and ’70’s eras so the costume design is phenomenal in this production! One of our extras really enjoyed the experience and had this to say about the productionThe quality of the costumes extends to the original 70’s tie and pocket handkerchief of Liberty staff. I feel very privileged to have been a part of this production.” (James – Cruella)

We supplied a broad range of background roles for this film, including; seamstresses, fashion designers, workmen, Liberty doorman, police, ball guests, runway crowds, models, waiters and a stand-in for Emma Stone to name but a few! One of our extras, Jason, played a mechanic and had this to say about the working on the production:

“Emma Stone inherited every particle of her character’s spirit and was a very kind person. Endless gratitude to Uni-versal Extras for getting me onto this film. It was such a privilege and it bowls me over to be in the company of such great authentic 70s dressed sets and amazing set creators.” 

Everyone here at UVE loved working on this production and watching the final feature film. We’re loving having blockbusters back in the cinemas where they belong and to see this particular feature film achieve the success it has in a recovering industry is incredible. If you still haven’t seen Cruella, why not embrace the dalmatian print (preferably faux fur!) and embrace the villainy at a screening near you?

Would you like to be an extra in a feature film? Register with UVE today! Already registered? Download our exclusive UVE Artiste app to make sure you receive the latest roles straight to your phone!