Angelina Jolie, the celebrated actress and humanitarian, is currently making waves in the heart of Paris, as she undertakes the transformative role of opera legend Maria Callas in her upcoming biopic, “Maria.” The film, directed by the acclaimed Pablo Larraín, promises to bring to life the incredible story of one of the world’s greatest opera singers, set against the backdrop of 1970s Paris.
The filming location for this cinematic endeavor is none other than the historic Palais-Royal, a former royal palace that today serves as home to various government offices, including the Ministry of Culture. Jolie, at the age of 48, was recently spotted on set, decked out in striking all-black ensembles, deeply immersed in her portrayal of the iconic opera diva.
In candid snapshots captured on set, Jolie can be seen wearing a headscarf and stylish glasses, with a camera crew closely following her every move. In another set of photos, she sported a large black hat and took shelter beneath an umbrella, often sharing the moment with her 22-year-old son, Maddox Jolie-Pitt.
Pablo Larraín, the mastermind behind “Maria,” is no stranger to the world of biographical films. His previous works, “Spencer” and “Jackie,” featured Oscar-nominated performances by Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and Natalie Portman as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, respectively. Larraín managed to secure an interim agreement with SAG-AFTRA to continue production despite the ongoing Hollywood actors’ strike.
The first official images from “Maria” were released earlier this week, providing a tantalizing glimpse into Angelina Jolie’s remarkable transformation into the enigmatic Maria Callas. These images showcased Jolie donning the same glasses and a wide-brimmed lace hat seen on set in Paris, igniting curiosity and excitement among fans.
The movie is poised to recount the mesmerizing and tumultuous life of Maria Callas, spanning the heights of her operatic career and the tragic finale that unfolded in 1970s Paris. The American-born Greek opera sensation’s vocal range spanned an astonishing three octaves, catapulting her to international stardom during the mid-20th century. Her life came to a tragic end in Paris in 1977, succumbing to a heart attack at the age of 53.
The screenplay for “Maria” was crafted by the talented Steven Knight, the same writer behind the critically acclaimed “Spencer.” It was completed ahead of the Hollywood WGA strike, allowing for a swift start to production shortly after the strike’s resolution on September 27.
Pablo Larraín shared his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “I am incredibly excited to start production on Maria, which I hope will bring Maria Callas’s 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.”
The filming of “Maria” is a globetrotting adventure, spanning eight weeks and taking the cast and crew to picturesque locations in Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan. The film is expected to feature original garments worn by Maria Callas during her lifetime, adding an authentic touch to the production.
“Maria” marks Angelina Jolie’s highly anticipated return to the silver screen, following her role in “Eternals” in 2021. In a recent interview with Vogue, Jolie shared her sentiments about being in a transitional phase in her life and her deliberate decision to take on roles that don’t require extended shooting schedules.
As for the official release date of “Maria,” it remains shrouded in mystery, building anticipation among fans and movie enthusiasts worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on this captivating biopic, set to take the world by storm with Angelina Jolie’s mesmerizing portrayal of the legendary Maria Callas.
