For one unforgettable evening, the world of Disney villainy came gloriously, terrifyingly alive as the legendary Glenn Close stepped back into the iconic, fur-draped heels of Cruella de Vil. The moment was electric, a masterstroke of nostalgic theatricality that transported the audience at the 2026 D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event back to the mid-90s, when a live-action Disney villain first truly terrified and mesmerized a new generation. At 79 years old, Close didn’t just appear; she materialized in a cloud of theatrical menace and high-fashion hubris. Her entrance was a full commitment to the character, a stunning black-and-white wig crowning her head, a voluminous red-and-black fur coat draped over her shoulders, and a matching pillbox hat perched with impeccable, sinister elegance. The convention hall, a sea of Disney enthusiasts, erupted in a frenzy of cheers and camera flashes, instantly recognizing that they were witnessing not just a celebrity cameo, but a piece of cinematic history reborn for a single, spectacular moment.
From the very first syllable, it was clear that Close had not merely dusted off the costume, but had fully resurrected the character’s razor-sharp wit and deliciously cruel disposition. She launched into a monologue that was pure, unadulterated Cruella, immediately tapping into the current Disney zeitgeist with a comment about her supposed competitor, the “overstuffed purple handbag” (a not-so-subtle jab at the Maleficent-themed roller coaster in development). “Well, I heard that overstuffed purple handbag was getting her own ride,” she quipped, her voice dripping with theatrical disdain)Skip to main content. “I thought to myself, ‘Surely, that can’t be. I mean, dragon skin?’ Ha ha, heaven’s no! Leather is just so passé.” The audience roared with laughter as she continued, “There isn’t a woman in all this wretched world who wouldn’t rather have fur, darling.” The performance was a masterclass in comedic timing and character immersion, proving that Cruella de Vil, in Close’s hands, is not just a villain, but a cultural icon whose obsession with fashion over morality remains as entertaining and bitingly relevant as ever. She commanded the stage with the authority of a woman who has nothing left to prove, yet still delights in the game.
The moment, however, was more than just a flamboyant performance; it was a strategic and thrilling announcement. Close, with a conspiratorial glint in her eye, confirmed a long-rumored and highly anticipated development in the Disney theme park universe. “Let’s go work on my ride,” she declared, sending a shockwave of excitement through the crowd. “Yes, and all the cars will be full of little dogs.” This was the official confirmation that “Villains Land,” the dark and immersive new area planned for Walt Disney World, would feature a signature attraction dedicated to Cruella de Vil. It was a perfect marriage of showmanship and corporate announcement, with Close transforming a simple confirmation into a comedic performance piece. The idea of a ride filled with “little dogs” was equal parts hilarious and menacing, perfectly encapsulating the character’s twisted worldviewvi Where fashion is the only god and puppies are merely the raw material for a new coat. In that single moment, Close managed to define the tone for an entire theme park land, promising an experience that would be as glamorous as it was darkly humorous.
This one-night return to the role was a poignant reminder of the cinematic legacy that Close built almost three decades ago. She famously brought the live-action Cruella to life in the 1996 film 101 Dalmatians and its 2000 sequel, 102 Dalmatians. It was a performance that redefined the villain for a modern audience, taking the terrifyingly flat character from the original 1961 animated classic and giving her a three-dimensional, flesh-and-blood presence that was both terrifying and strangely compelling. Close has often spoken about her approach to the role, revealing a process of discovery that was as intuitive as it was analytical. In a 2021 interview with Refinery29, she recalled, “I realized the meaner she was, the better she was. I loved that character.” This philosophy extended even to her contract negotiations, where she famously secured the right to keep all of her costumes from the film. “Then, when they found out how expensive they were, they were unhappy that it was in my contract. They wanted to make another copy, another set, for me. I said no.” This anecdote perfectly illustrates her deep connection to the part; Cruella wasn’t just a job to her, but a creation she was fiercely protective of, right down to the very fabric of her wardrobe.
Close’s creative process was rooted in a profound respect for the source material, particularly the unapologetically cruel and “terrifying” animated original. She didn’t want to soften the character for live-action audiences; she wanted to amplify her. “That character in the original 101 Dalmatians is the most terrifying; she says the [most] terrible things! ‘Drown them!’ I mean, she’s terrible,” she explained on a 2025 appearance of The Drew Barrymore Show. In a bold move that proved her understanding of the villain’s appeal, she even pushed to restore some of the more menacing lines from the cartoon into the live-action script. “In fact, we put some of her lines back into the movie because I didn’t think that Cruella in the movie was mean enough … and [the character has] the best voice for her to go by. I learned pretty fast that the meaner I was the funnier, it was ultimately funnier.” This insight was the key to her success: she unlocked the secret that true on-screen villainy, when played with absolute conviction and a wink of comedic knowingness, becomes infinitely more entertaining and memorable than a merely menacing performance.
As Close stepped off the stage, leaving behind a trail of laughter and a chorus of excited chatter about the new ride, her legacy in the Disney pantheon was further cemented. Her interpretation of Cruella stands alone in the annals of cinematic villainy, a benchmark so high that even a new generation of talent has paid homage to it. When Emma Stone took on the mantle for the 2021 prequel, Cruella, Close graciously stepped aside, offering support from the sidelines. “She has two movies to look at. She doesn’t have to talk to me,” Close had told Us exclusively in 2019. “I can’t wait to see what she did. My Cruella was that, and we’ll see something new.” This graciousness is a testament to an actor secure in her legacy, acknowledging that while Stone’s Cruella was a different, more complex origin story, the core of the character’s audacious, fashion-obsessed spirit remains. Ultimately, Close’s surprise appearance at D23 was more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It was a powerful affirmation of the enduring power of a truly great screen performance. She proved that a character conceived over 60 years ago and redefined by her in the 90s can still command a stadium of thousands, spark collective joy, and create a future for itself in the world of theme park entertainment. In a world of CGI and rapid-fire content, Close’s Cruella remains a monument to old-school, star-driven theatricality—a reminder that the best villains, like the best actors, are timeless.
