103 Dalmatians (2026)
⭐ Starring: Glenn Close, Gérard Depardieu, Ioan Gruffudd

The Return of the Queen of Fur
Cruella de Vil—one of Disney’s most iconic and stylish villains—is back with a vengeance in 103 Dalmatians (2026). After a long stint behind bars, it’s unclear whether the notorious fashionista has truly reformed or whether she’s merely waiting for the perfect moment to unleash her dark obsessions once again. As the film opens, viewers are thrust into a world where Cruella, freshly released from prison, has embraced a quieter, more subtle life. Yet, as always, a mere sound—a bark—reminds her of what truly matters: dalmatian fur. The question is: Can a leopard—or in this case, a woman obsessed with fur—truly change her spots?

The Spark of Evil Reignites
Cruella’s supposed redemption doesn’t last long. Once the sound of puppies’ barks fills the air, her twisted obsession with fur returns in full force, sparking a renewed thirst for the ultimate fashion statement: dalmatian fur coats. She forms an unlikely alliance with Jean-Pierre Le Pelt (Gérard Depardieu), an eccentric, flamboyant French designer known for his avant-garde creations. Together, they concoct a plan so outrageous and dangerous that it threatens to upend the balance between good and evil in this whimsical world. Their dream? To create a coat like no other—crafted from an entire litter of dalmatian puppies.

But as their plan unfolds, it becomes apparent that this fashion empire will not be built without opposition. Cruella’s growing influence begins to attract a new generation of heroes, including Kevin (Ioan Gruffudd), a compassionate animal rights activist who is determined to protect the innocent pups at any cost. Kevin’s love for animals is deep-rooted, and his devotion to protecting creatures from harm drives him to challenge Cruella at every turn, making him a worthy adversary in her quest to reclaim her empire of style.

The Pups: Heroes of the Future
However, it’s not just the humans who step up to save the day. In this tale of redemption, the pups themselves become unlikely champions, with the courageous Oddball leading the charge. Oddball, a dalmatian with a unique trait—she lacks spots—becomes a symbol of the true beauty that Cruella so desperately tries to control. In a world that values perfection and flawlessness, Oddball’s individuality makes her the most valuable dog in the kingdom. She embodies the theme of the film: beauty doesn’t have to fit into society’s narrow standards; true beauty lies in uniqueness and heart.

The narrative touches on themes of identity, individuality, and the power of self-acceptance. Oddball’s journey from being seen as “imperfect” to becoming a symbol of courage and love is one of the most moving parts of the film. Alongside her fellow pups, she challenges Cruella’s notions of beauty and unveils the depth of her heart, reminding viewers that true worth comes not from the surface, but from within.

The Battle for the Future of Fashion
The battle for the dalmatian puppies escalates quickly as the tension between Cruella’s old-fashioned ideas and Kevin’s new world vision intensifies. While Cruella’s obsession with fur symbolizes a bygone era of cruelty, Kevin represents a new generation of people who understand the importance of kindness, compassion, and the preservation of life. With every move, Cruella becomes more desperate to prove her power, pushing Kevin and the brave pups to take extreme measures to stop her.

As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to a thrilling series of confrontations between good and evil, culminating in a dramatic showdown that forces each character to face their deepest fears and desires. Whether it’s Cruella’s struggle to maintain her grasp on a world that no longer reveres her or Kevin’s determination to protect the innocent, the stakes grow higher, and the tension never lets up.

A Fashionably Dark Adventure
One of the key strengths of 103 Dalmatians is its ability to blend dark, almost gothic humor with family-friendly adventure. The film’s visual style is as striking as Cruella’s wardrobe—every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke the timeless elegance and decadence of high fashion while also staying true to the whimsical, heartwarming world that Disney is known for. The costumes are a standout feature, from Cruella’s extravagant outfits to the pups’ brightly colored bandanas, symbolizing the colorful, vibrant world in which they live.

But it’s not just the fashion that’s stunning. The film is a visual feast in every sense. The scenery is lush and rich with detail, capturing the opulent world of fashion houses, glamorous photo shoots, and dark, stormy nights. Cruella’s home is a testament to her power, an eerie, dark mansion filled with rich, luxurious furnishings. The stark contrast between this and the humble, joyful homes of Kevin and the pups helps to underline the divide between the superficial and the meaningful, setting the stage for a powerful resolution.

Glenn Close’s Iconic Return
At the heart of the film is Glenn Close’s magnificent return as Cruella de Vil. Her portrayal of the character is nothing short of iconic, exuding both menace and allure in equal measure. Close brings a level of complexity to Cruella that makes her not just a villain, but a tragic figure. While her love for fur remains undeniable, this Cruella is more layered than ever. The film delves deeper into her psyche, exploring what drives her obsession with perfection and beauty. Her charm and wit are irresistible, making her a villain you both love to hate and pity at the same time.

Close’s performance is supported by a stellar cast, including Gérard Depardieu as Jean-Pierre Le Pelt, the eccentric designer who proves to be a valuable, if slightly misguided, ally to Cruella. Depardieu brings a charm and humor to his role, his flamboyant character providing much-needed comic relief amidst the tension. Ioan Gruffudd’s Kevin is equally compelling, providing the perfect foil to Cruella’s madness with his grounded, sincere approach to animal rights.

A Timeless Message of Compassion
103 Dalmatians isn’t just about fashion, adventure, and comedy—it’s also a film with an important message about compassion, responsibility, and the importance of standing up for what’s right. While Cruella and Jean-Pierre are obsessed with creating something beautiful through cruelty, Kevin and the pups remind us that true beauty is not in perfection, but in the love and care we give to those around us.

In the end, the film delivers a powerful message: even in a world that sometimes values image over substance, kindness and integrity can always prevail. The courage of Oddball, the determination of Kevin, and the unwavering belief in what’s right inspire the audience to look beyond the surface and recognize the worth of every individual.

Conclusion: A Fur-ocious Family Fun
103 Dalmatians is a dazzling and heartwarming film that offers the perfect mix of fashion, adventure, and humor. With a talented cast, stunning visuals, and a powerful message, it’s a film that will delight audiences of all ages. While it brings back the beloved character of Cruella de Vil in all her wicked glory, it also introduces a new generation of heroes—both human and canine—who will steal your heart and remind you of the importance of kindness, love, and standing up for what’s right.

This is a movie that proves evil may be stylish, but good hearts always triumph in the end. Get ready for a wild ride of fur, fashion, and family in this unforgettable adventure.