Netflix has acquired the global rights to Maria, a biopic about the legendary opera singer Maria Callas, with Angelina Jolie set to star in the title role. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, is expected to offer a deep dive into the tumultuous life and career of one of the most renowned opera stars of the 20th century. The film’s release date on the streaming platform is unrevealed, but the film is getting its world premiere at this year’s Venice Film Festival on 29th August 2024.
Maria will chronicle the final days of Callas, exploring her complex personality, dramatic love life, and the immense pressure of her storied career. The biopic aims to capture the essence of Callas’ artistry and the personal struggles she faced behind the curtains of fame and success. Known for her commanding stage presence and powerful voice, Callas was both celebrated and scrutinized, a duality that the film intends to portray with nuance.
Angelina Jolie, who has been lauded for her transformative roles in films like Girl, Interrupted and Maleficent, will portray the opera icon. The additional star cast includes Valeria Golino, Pierfrancesco Favino, Haluk Bilginer, Alba Rohrwacher and Kodi Smit-McPhee.
Pablo Larraín, the director behind critically acclaimed biopics such as Jackie and Spencer, will bring his signature style of intimate storytelling and detailed character studies to Maria. Larraín’s ability to explore the personal lives of complex women in history suggests that Maria will delve deep into the psyche of Callas, capturing both her strength and vulnerability.
Larraín shared his enthusiasm for the biopic and made a statement on Wednesday, in which he said “I’m excited to partner again with the Netflix team who care so passionately about movies. This film is my most personal work yet.” He also added, “I’m deeply honored to tell this story and share it with audiences worldwide like Maria did with her life.” (Source: The Wrap)
The screenplay is penned by Steven Knight, known for his work on Peaky Blinders and Dirty Pretty Things. Knight’s involvement in the project promises a script that balances dramatic tension with a deep understanding of the character’s emotional landscape. Netflix’s acquisition of Maria is seen as a significant move to bolster its roster of high-profile films, further solidifying the platform’s commitment to producing quality cinema with star-studded casts and accomplished directors. The film’s release is highly anticipated, as it not only marks Angelina Jolie’s return to the screen in a major role but also continues Netflix’s strategy of attracting top-tier talent for its original content.
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