Get ready to be mesmerized by the stunning transformation of Angelina Jolie as she steps into the shoes of the legendary American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas, who was one of the most renowned and influential opera singers of the 20th century. In Pablo Larraín’s highly anticipated biopic, audiences will be transported back in time to witness the remarkable life and career of one of the most influential figures in the history of opera as her repertoire ranged from classical opera seria to the bel canto operas of Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini, and further to the works of Verdi and Puccini, and in her early career to the music dramas of Wagner. Her musical and dramatic talents led to her being hailed as La Divina (“the Divine one”).
This film will also mark the return of the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress to the big screen after starring in 2021’s Eternals. At that film’s premiere, she told PEOPLE her six kids were excited to see her Marvel debut. “What’s really moving to me is that they want to see me strong, and so it’s less to see me in a film, but they’re just happy I will be strong and having fun,” the actress said. Moreover, in an interview with Vogue, Jolie said she’s “in transition as a person,” adding, “I feel a bit down these days. I don’t feel like I’ve been myself for a decade.” She revealed that seven years ago, she intentionally began taking fewer movie roles, “only taking jobs that didn’t require long shoots.”
With Jolie’s undeniable talent and Larraín’s visionary direction, this film promises to be a captivating exploration of Callas’ triumphs and struggles from her humble beginnings in New York City. Recently, director Pablo Larraín revealed the two first photos of Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in his new film that will explore the life of the legendary singer, often described as the original diva. Based on true accounts, Jolie, 48, embodies the opera legend. As Maria will also cover the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest female opera singer will be translated to the silver screen for the modern audience to remember this icon once again!
According to a press release, the official description of the film states that it will “explore the life of the legendary, iconic, and controversial singer, often described as the original diva. Based on true accounts, Maria tells the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of the life of the world’s greatest opera singer, relieved and re-imagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.”
The shooting of this biopic is still underway and taking place over eight weeks in Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan. It is expected to wrap by the end of December of the same year; hence, a tentative release date is way too early to predict. The script, which was completed prior to the Writers Guild strike, is penned by Larraín’s “Spencer” collaborator Steven Knight. Alongside Jolie, the cast includes Pierfrancesco Favino (“Adagio”), Alba Rohrwacher (“La Chimera”), Haluk Bilginer (“Winter Sleep”), Kodi Smit-McPhee (“The Power of the Dog”) and Valeria Golino (“Portrait of a Lady on Fire”).
Furthermore, Jolie’s clothes are based on actual clothing worn by Callas, including historic fur pieces from Massimo Cantini Parrini’s archival collection, on which they conferred with PETA to avoid using any fresh fur.
“I am incredibly excited to start production on ‘Maria,’ which I hope will bring Maria Callas’ remarkable life and work to audiences all around the world, thanks to the magnificent script by Steven Knight, the work of the entire cast and crew, and especially, Angelina’s brilliant work and extraordinary preparation,” Larraín said in a statement. He has previously received significant acclaim for his past biopics that tell the life stories of significant women in history, including Spencer (2021), which featured Oscar-nominated performances from Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, and Jackie (2016), which featured Natalie Portman as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, respectively. His most recent film, El Conde, premiered at the 2023 Venice Film Festival.
Lastly, “Maria” is being produced by Juan de Dios Larraín for Fabula, Jonas Dornbach for Komplizen Film, and Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment, a Fremantle Company. Worldwide sales will be handled by FilmNation Entertainment.