Paul Walter Hauser (“I, Tonya,” “BlackKkKlansman”) is in talks to join “Cruella,” the live-action Cruella de Vil movie starring Emma Stone, an individual with knowledge of the project told TheWrap.
Hauser, who is up for the role of Roger, has booked the lead and title role for Warner Bros. “Richard Jewell,” based on the story of a security guard who was considered a suspect in the bombing that took place Atlanta’s Centennial Park during the 1996 Summer Olympics. According to an insider with knowledge of both projects, “Cruella” is eyeing a September start date that would enable Hauser to shoot both films back to back.
“I, Tonya” director Craig Gillespie is set to direct. Gillespie previously directed the films “Million Dollar Arm” and “The Finest Hours” for Disney. Tony McNamara wrote the most recent draft of the script. Marc Platt and Andrew Gunn are producing the film. Disney has slated “Cruella” to open on Dec. 23, 2020.
Stone will star in what’s pegged as something of a prequel to “101 Dalmatians” as a young Cruella before she schemed to skin the black-and-white spotted puppies for her fur coat.
Glenn Close previously played the black-and-white-haired Cruella in a 1996 live-action adaptation based on the 1961 animated classic. She reprised the role in the 2000 sequel, “102 Dalmatians.”
Recently, Hauser reunited with Spike Lee post-“BlackKklansman,” and just wrapped Netflix’s “Da 5 Bloods.” Hauser can also be seen in Amazon’s and Mindy Kaling’s “Late Night,” and in Chris Robinson’s hip-hop drama “Beats” also on Netflix.
Hauser is represented by CAA, Artists First, Kovert Creative, and Schreck Rose Dapello Adams Berlin & Dunham.