Following the critical success of the Kristen Stewart-led Princess Diana biopic Spencer, Chilean filmmaker Pablo Larraín has enlisted another A-lister for his next biographical drama film titled Maria. Deadline brings word that Oscar winner Angelina Jolie has officially signed on to portray renowned opera singer Maria Callas.
“Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream,” Larraín said in a statement. “To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift.”
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Maria will be directed by Pablo Larraín (Jackie, Spencer) from a screenplay written by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight. The film is expected to tell the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic story of famed opera singer as the story follows her during her final days in 1970s Paris.
“I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge,” said Jolie. “Pablo Larraín is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria’s story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream.”
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Maria will be produced by Fablua Pictures’ Juan de Dios Larraín, The Apartment Pictures’ Lorenzo Mieli, and Komlizen Film’s Jonas Dornbach.
This marks Jolie’s first acting project since starring in 2021’s Eternals film. She’s currently working on directing her next movie Without Blood which will be led by Salma Hayek and Demián Bichir.
