The world got its first glimpse of Angelina Jolie’s transformation into opera legend Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic “Maria.” Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film promises to portray the tumultuous life of the renowned opera singer during her final days in 1970s Paris.
In the recently released photos, Angelina Jolie, aged 48, is seen donning various looks to embody the character of Maria Callas. One striking image shows her wearing large round spectacles, while another features her in a wide-brimmed lace hat, both capturing the essence of the iconic American-born Greek opera diva.
“Maria,” written by screenwriter Steven Knight prior to the Hollywood Writers Guild strike and granted approval under a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, marks the latest addition to director Pablo Larraín’s repertoire. Larraín is known for his acclaimed films “Spencer” and “Jackie,” which featured Oscar-nominated performances by Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana and Natalie Portman as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, respectively.
Expressing his excitement for the project, Larraín stated, “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.”
Jolie, who deeply values the responsibility of portraying Maria Callas, remarked, “I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge.”
Maria Callas, celebrated for her three-octave vocal range, achieved international fame as an opera star before her passing in 1977 in Paris, where she suffered a heart attack, as reported by The Guardian.
“Maria” will be filmed over eight weeks in various European locations, including Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan. The film’s commitment to authenticity includes featuring original garments worn by Callas.
This project marks Jolie’s return to the big screen after her appearance in the 2021 film “Eternals.” At the premiere of “Eternals,” she emphasized her children’s excitement about her role in the Marvel film, highlighting their desire to see her strong and happy.
In a recent Vogue interview, Jolie opened up about her personal journey and her decision to take on fewer movie roles over the past seven years. She expressed a longing to reconnect with her sense of self after feeling disconnected for a decade.
As anticipation continues to build around “Maria,” Angelina Jolie’s transformation into the legendary Maria Callas is expected to deliver a captivating and memorable portrayal of the iconic opera singer’s life.
