Disney’s ‘Maleficent’ Will Begin Filming In June

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Back in January of 2010 we first learned that Tim Burton and Disney were planning to make a live-action film titled Maleficent that would focus on the villain of the classic fairy tale Sleeping Beauty. A couple of months later, we learned that Angelina Jolie‘s name was being tossed around as the possible actress to play Maleficent. Since then, news on the project has been kind of quiet … until now. Today we learn that yes, Angelina will play Maleficent in the film and that filming production is scheduled to begin in June … but Tim Burton is no longer associated with the film. We also learn that young actress Elle Fanning (younger sister of Dakota Fanning who starred in Super 8) is in negotiations to play the other lead role, that of Princess Aurora / Briar Rose.


Disney’s Maleficent, a live-action origins story starring Angelina Jolie as one of Disney’s most iconic villians, is eyeing a June start date in London. Robert Stromberg will direct Maleficent from a script by Linda Woolverton and is already in the U.K. prepping the film. Malificent is a passion project for Jolie and will be her next acting role. One possibility for the role of Aurora is Elle Fanning, who is in talks to join the cast. Fanning’s star status rose last year with Somewhere and J.J. Abrams sci-fi movie Super 8 … In December [Jolie] told THR her children want her to make the movie and even call her “mom-elicent.” She’s also eager to make a live-action family film after her experience voicing the Kung Fu Panda franchise. Jolie told THR that she was drawn to screenwriter Woolverton’s revisionist take on the fairy tale and the complex relationship between Maleficent and Sleeping Beauty.

I suppose it’s possible that Tim Burton may produce the film but this is the first time I’m hearing that he is not directing the film. I am in LOVE with this idea of telling the tale of Maleficent, hopefully showcasing her in a positive light. I really love the idea of taking classic fairy tales and flipping the script … ie. making the heroes villains and the villains heroes. I think Angelina Jolie will make a fantastic Maleficent … and I don’t mind Elle Fanning as Aurora. This sounds like a great film, I’m totally on board.