ABC’s Once Upon a Time is adding another iconic villain to its rogues gallery of Disney baddies, but this one isn’t a fairy tale character.
The Once Upon a Time writers are going to cram Cruella de Vil into a crowded Season 4 that already includes story lines about a Snow Queen, a mysterious Sorcerer’s hat, and Henry’s storybook. However, things might be a little less hectic by the time Cruella makes her big debut — she’ll likely pop up during the second half of Season 4 after the Frozen story arc is over.
According to TV Line , Dracula actress Victoria Smurfit recently tweeted the announcement that she’s joining Once Upon a Time as Cruella de Vil.
super excited about playing Cruella for such an iconic show as @OnceABC
— victoria smurfit (@VictoriaSmurfit) November 5, 2014
It’s a good thing Victoria got used to wearing over-the-top outfits on Dracula because she has some very stylish stilettos to fill — Glenn Close’s take on Cruella was fearsome, fabulous, and fashionable.
There are no details about the twist that the Once writers will inevitably give the beloved 101 Dalmatians villain, but spotted pups will play a part in her appearance. According to Spoiler TV , actress Emilie de Ravin was seen filming a scene with a Dalmatian puppy. It sounds like Belle might get a new pet, and she better keep a close eye on it.
Once Upon a Time has already introduced 101 Dalmatians character Pongo. He’s owned by Archie/Jiminy Cricket, and he just seems to be an ordinary dog. Perhaps Archie and Cruella have crossed paths before, and maybe she has something to do with why Perdita hasn’t popped up in Storybrooke yet.
The Inquisitr previously reported that Maleficent will appear during the second half of Season 4, so it’s possible that Cruella de Vil has some kind of connection to the dark fairy. Maleficent actress Kristin Bauer van Straten slightly resembles Victoria Smurfit, so maybe Cruella and Maleficent will turn out to be sisters. As Hook pointed out, everyone in Storybrooke seems to be related somehow.
Instead of having her simply try to skin puppies, the Once Upon a Time writers could turn Cruella into a hunter of magical creatures. If this turns out to be the case, werewolf Red Riding Hood needs to watch her back. Cruella’s animal killing would make her the polar opposite of Maleficent — the dark fairy had a pet miniature unicorn that she dearly loved. Maleficent might be a magical animal rights activist who hates her sister for wearing dragon leather and Bandersnatch fur.
Before Cruella de Vil comes to Storybrooke, the Snow Queen has to make her exit, and it doesn’t look like she’s going anywhere this week. In Sunday’s episode titled “ The Snow Queen ,” Emma will interrogate Ingrid at the sheriff’s station in hopes of finding out why the Snow Queen erased her foster home memories. Regina and Robin Hood will continue working together to save Maid Marian, and Snow White will arrange a play date for Prince Neal that includes the offspring of Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty.
Are you over the Snow Queen story line on Once Upon a Time and ready for Cruella de Vil to make her grand entrance?
[Image credits: Disney, NBC]