Angelina Jolie made an appearance today at the D23 Expo in Anaheim, CA at the live-action panel for the exclusive first look from her upcoming film, Disney’s Maleficent. A description of the footage is located at the end of this post.
Jolie wowed the crowd at D23, as they erupted upon her entrance, when she joined Sean Bailey, President of Walt Disney Studios Motion Picture Production, on stage. Bailey said that the filmmakers only wanted one name for this role, as they felt Jolie would be a perfect fit. Yes, she is ideal, oozing chills and vivacity in the role. Bailey also showcased some artwork of the castle and woods.
Audiences may find themselves “rooting for the other side,” Bailey indicated, in that the story from Maleficent’s perspective will give new insight into the popular Disney villain.
Jolie joked that she misses her horns and said that the character was always one of her favorites.
“I wanted to know more about her [Maleficent],” Jolie said.
Jolie’s brother encouraged her to get in on this role when the opportunity arose, and of course she landed the gig.
The role also provided Jolie the chance to greet younger kids on set in costume – but some did not find Jolie endearing. The actress and mother of six (with partner Brad Pitt) joked that one frightened child said, “Mommy, please tell the mean witch to stop talking to me.”
Maleficent enters theaters July 2, 2014.
Here’s a description of the footage, which was debuted exclusively at the Expo:
The live-action film’s trailer showcases the three helpful fairies (you’ll recognize them from Sleeping Beauty, but they look a little stranger here) flying over baby Aurora, admiring the newest addition to the kingdom. But then the candles burn out and the royal room turns dark. Here comes Maleficent (Jolie), first shown in silhouette form, before her face appears. Jolie looks deliciously evil. Maleficent tells the king and queen she felt distressed in not receiving an invitation and then sets her spell on Aurora. Later we see Elle Fanning as teenage Aurora, who unfortunately decides to touch that spinning wheel. Not the best choice. Then comes the title card (see it here below).
Here’s the official synopsis released by Disney:
“Maleficent” is the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the 1959 classic “Sleeping Beauty.” A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal””an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom””and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well.
The film also stars Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville and is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg. Linda Woolverton, the screenwriter of “Alice in Wonderland,” “The Lion King” and “Beauty and the Beast,” wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in theaters on July 2, 2014.
Stay posted on new D23 Expo updates by following @bnachmanreports and @geeksofdoom on Twitter. And check back here at Geeks of Doom for more news from me on the D23 Expo!
[Disney’s Maleficent images courtesy of Walt Disney Studios. Used with permission.]
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