Disney is facing a backlash over the new Cruella movie with fans accusing it of promoting dog abuse.
The trailer sees Hollywood star Emma Stone, 32, playing classic baddie Cruella de Vil.
But fans believe the trailer released this week paints the trendy main character as misunderstood and sympathetic.
Christina Grace wrote on Twitter: “I cannot express how little we need a prequel story for a woman whose entire deal ‘just wants coats made of puppies’.”
Another wrote: “How in the hell am I gonna sympathise with a protagonist named Cruella that kills dogs and wears their skin?”
The film is a prequel to classic animation 101 Dalmatians.
Emma Stone stars as Cruella in Disney’s new movie (Image: Laurie Sparham)
It is set in 1970s London and looks at the early years of Cruella’s life before she became the puppy-stealing horror that Disney fans know her as.
Cruella is a budding fashion designer but turns evil after meeting Baroness von Hellman, played by Emma Thompson, 61.
And some fans felt Stone’s makeup looked like Joaquin Phoenix’s character in 2019 anti-hero blockbuster The Joker.
Some fans think Cruella may be promoting animal abuse (Image: (c) 2019 Disney Enterprises Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Karen Y Han tweeted: “The Cruella trailer looks nice but also I think sometimes ladies who love fashion should be allowed to remain ladies who love fashion and not the Joker… why does everyone want to be the Joker. His life sucks.”
Alex wrote: “I do love that the premise of Cruella is what if someone girlbossed so hard they became the joker.”
Another fan tweeted: “Slap a DC logo on this and I’d honestly think this was a Batman Villain origin.”
Disney was contacted for comment.
It comes after the Disney+ streaming service announced the launch of a channel aimed at adults.
The Star channel will debut on the platform on February 23 with classic TV series including Ugly Betty and Family Guy.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
