Deadline is reporting that Academy Award-winner Emma Stone (The Amazing Spider-Man; La La Land; Zombieland) has closed a new deal to return for Walt Disney Studios' Cruella sequel, which has director Craig Gillespie and screenwriter Tony McNamara on board.
Insiders are deeming this latest development as a positive sign for the House of Mouse, as the studio continues their efforts to mend talent relations following the recent lawsuit filed by Black Widow star Scarlett Johansson regarding compensation from the controversial theatrical/Disney+ Premier Access model.
Stone's deal is said to be mutually beneficial for both parties, with her agent Patrick Whitesell sharing the following statement.
“While the media landscape has been disrupted in a meaningful way for all distributors, their creative partners cannot be left on the sidelines to carry a disproportionate amount of the downside without the potential for upside. This agreement demonstrates that there can be an equitable path forward that protects artists and aligns studios’ interests with talent. We are proud to work alongside Emma and Disney, and appreciate the studio’s willingness to recognize her contributions as a creative partner. We are hopeful that this will open the door for more members of the creative community to participate in the success of new platforms.”
In the wake of Johansson filing her lawsuit, there were several reports suggesting that Stone could follow suit (literally), after her own Cruella was also given a simultaneous theatrical and Premier Access release. It appears now, however, that Disney was able able to sort things before it reached that tipping point, and it wouldn't be unreasonable to assume that they may have sweetened her pot for the upcoming sequel.