Fans of the dark fairy tale retelling will be enthralled to learn that "Maleficent 3" is officially in development. Angelina Jolie is set to once again don the horns and wings of the malevolent fairy in the third chapter of the series that has added depth and nuance to the story of Sleeping Beauty.
The spellbinding journey began with the original "Maleficent" film released in 2014, which cast a new light on the enchantress traditionally seen as the antagonist in the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Audiences were treated to a fresh perspective of the fairy tale through the eyes of Maleficent, revealing the heartache and motivations behind her curse on the young Princess Aurora. The success of the film spurred a sequel, "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil," which flew into theatres in 2019, continuing the narrative of complex relationships and magical drama.
The announcement of the third film's development may come as a delightfully wicked surprise to fans, especially since there had been no substantial updates since the initial reveal of a third installment back in September 2021. The article from the Wall Street Journal confirms Angelina Jolie's return to her iconic role, despite prior hints at the actress's ambivalence towards continuing her acting career.
No other casting details have emerged yet, and it remains a mystery who will join Jolie in this new adventure. The first and second films boasted a star-studded ensemble including Sharlto Copley, Juno Temple, Harris Dickinson, Elle Fanning, and Michelle Pfeifer. As for the directorial leadership, it is uncertain who will take the helm to guide the third film, as Robert Stromberg directed the first and Joachim Rønning the second.
The news of Jolie's involvement in "Maleficent 3" seems somewhat at odds with her statements made during her interview with the Wall Street Journal. The actress expressed a willingness to transition away from her acting career, hinting at a potential departure from Los Angeles and the silver screen. Despite this, it appears that Jolie is for the time being, still actively involved in film projects, exemplified by her portrayal of Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic "Maria," directed by Pablo Larraín and written by Steven Knight, the mind behind "Peaky Blinders."
Moreover, Jolie is set to lend her voice once more to Master Tigress in "Kung-Fu Panda 4," slated for release in March 2024. Her involvement in these projects suggests that while she may be contemplating an eventual exit from her acting pursuits, she is still very much engaged in bringing compelling stories and characters to life.
As anticipation for "Maleficent 3" builds, Disney continues to expand its magical movie universe with various projects in the pipeline. The company behind the reinvented fairy tale has yet to reveal the plot, thematic focus, or release date of the upcoming film, leaving audiences to wonder what thrilling twists and enchanting turns Maleficent's journey will take this time.
The fairy tale genre has always been an intriguing canvas for storytelling, allowing filmmakers to explore themes such as redemption, love, and the complexities of good versus evil. "Maleficent" and its sequel have offered a revisionist take that gives a voice to those characters traditionally sidelined or misunderstood, a trend that has enamored viewers and redefined what it means to be a "villain" in a fairy tale.
As "Maleficent 3" unfurls its dark wings and prepares to take flight, the excitement and speculation among Disney fans and moviegoers will undoubtedly grow. With Angelina Jolie's powerful performance and the rich, fantasy world of the franchise, this upcoming installment is poised to cast another spellbinding effect on its audience – ensuring that the legacy of the beloved yet misunderstood fairy continues to enchant for years to come.
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