Maria: Angelina Jolie to star as opera singer Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s upcoming biopic

Last Updated on October 24, 2022

Bring on the dramatic lighting, silk robe, and half-empty bottle of bourbon because we’ll need an operatic atmosphere for this article. Spencer’s Pablo Larraín is teaming with Angelina Jolie for Maria, a biopic celebrating the final days of the American-born Greek soprano Maria Callas. Considered one of the greatest opera singers ever to grace the stage, many praised Callas for her bel canto technique and ability to create unparalleled soundscapes with her voice. Larraín’s film will focus on Callas’ mortal bow in 1970s Paris.

Oscar nominee Steven Knight wrote Spencer, Larraín’s Princess Diana biopic, and is scripting Maria. Larraín’s brother, Juan de Dios Larraín, produces through Fabula Pictures, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment Pictures, and Jonas Dornbach via Komlizen Film. Jolie, always in demand, has been more selective about contributing to the silver screen in recent years. She was a stand-out in Marvel’s Eternals and is gearing up to reprise her Tigress role for Kun Fu Panda 4. She’s also attached to play Maleficent again in Disney’s Maleficent: Mother Of All The Faries. Jolie will also co-star with Christoph Waltz in Björn Runge’s Every Note Played, about a piano virtuoso diagnosed with ALS trying to reconcile his failed relationship with his wife.

“Having the chance to combine my two most deep and personal passions, cinema and opera, has been a long-awaited dream,” said Larraín. “To do this with Angelina, a supremely brave and curious artist, is a fascinating opportunity. A true gift.”

“I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge,” Jolie added enthusiastically. “Pablo Larraín is a director I have long admired. To be allowed the chance to tell more of Maria’s story with him, and with a script by Steven Knight, is a dream.”

Are you familiar with Callas’ influential body of work? Her rendition of “Casta Diva” is positively stunning. Even if you’re not into opera, you must admit she’s a force to be reckoned with in the halls of music history. Check her out to see what Jolie is signing up for by agreeing to star in Pablo Larraín’s Maria.