Maleficent is considered one of the best villains in the Disney canon and Eleanor Audley’s vocal turn in the 1959 film is certainly a challenge for Jolie to live up to. Here is the official synopsis of the new take on her character:
“This is the untold story of Disney's most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.”
So essentially what we’re getting is a whole film’s worth of back-story to a great villain: brilliant stuff. With the added benefit of Avatar production designer Robert Stromberg helming the film in his directorial debut, Maleficent promises to be an intriguing entry in the current glut of fairytale movies.
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Jolie looks suitably evil, with the trademark horned head dress of the character. However, the character’s green skin is notably absent, suggesting that that particular pigmentation may have been inspired by some of the events that “hardened her heart”, featured in this new film.
After all, anything has to be better than Mirror Mirror.
Produced by Joe Roth, "Maleficent" is written by Linda Woolverton (The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast) and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel. Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (District 9), Elle Fanning (Super 8), Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton (Vera Drake), Miranda Richardson (The Hours), Juno Temple (Atonement) and Lesley Manville (Secrets & Lies).
Maleficent is set for a 3D release in Spring 2014.
Source: io9
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