“MALEFICENT” – The Walt Disney Studios announced today that production began Wednesday, June 13th, on âMaleficent,â starring Academy Award®âwinning actress Angelina Jolie. Directed by two-time Oscar®-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (âAvatar,â âAlice in Wonderlandâ), in his directorial debut, and produced by Joe Roth, âMaleficentâ is written by Linda Woolverton (âThe Lion King,â âBeauty and the Beastâ) and executive produced by Angelina Jolie, Don Hahn, Matt Smith and Palak Patel. Co-starring in the film are Sharlto Copley (âDistrict 9â), Elle Fanning (âSuper 8â), Sam Riley (âOn the Roadâ), Imelda Staunton (âVera Drakeâ), Miranda Richardson (âThe Hoursâ), Juno Temple (âAtonementâ) and Lesley Manville (âSecrets & Liesâ).
This is the untold story of Disneyâs most beloved villain, Maleficent, from the 1959 classic âSleeping Beauty.â The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.
Behind-the-scenes talent includes Academy Award®âwinning cinematographer Dean Semler (âDances with Wolves,â âIn the Land of Blood and Honeyâ), production designer Gary Freeman (âSaving Private Ryan,â âThe Bourne Supremacyâ), two-time Oscar® nominated costume designer Anna B. Sheppard (âSchindlerâs List,â âThe Pianistâ) and seven-time Academy Awardâwinning makeup artist Rick Baker (âPlanet of the Apes,â âMen in Blackâ).
âMaleficentâ is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D.
Photo Credit: Greg Williams
©2012 Disney Enterprises, Inc.