Angelina Jolie, renowned actress and Special Envoy to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, is set to take audiences by storm with her portrayal of the legendary opera singer Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic, “Maria.” Directed by Pablo Larraín, the film promises to chronicle the tumultuous, beautiful, and tragic life of the world’s greatest opera singer, reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris.
In the first glimpse of Jolie’s transformation, released just days ago, the actress looks almost unrecognizable as she steps into the shoes of Maria Callas. In one photo, Jolie dons Callas’s thick, brown-rimmed glasses, paired with a white chunky knit sweater. The simplicity of her makeup and the tousled hair, parted to the side, capture the essence of Callas’s understated elegance. The second photo, however, showcases a more glamorous version of the opera singer, complete with winged eyeliner, pearl earrings, and a wide-brimmed lace hat.
According to a press release, “Maria” will delve into the last days of Maria Callas’s life, set against the backdrop of 1970s Paris. Larraín, known for his directorial prowess in biopics such as “Spencer” and “Jackie,” expressed his excitement for the project, highlighting the magnificent script by Steven Knight and the extraordinary preparation of Angelina Jolie.
Jolie herself acknowledged the weight of the role, stating, “I take very seriously the responsibility to Maria’s life and legacy. I will give all I can to meet the challenge. 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.”
The film, currently in production across Paris, Greece, Budapest, and Milan, boasts a stellar cast, including Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee, and Valeria Golino. The script, penned by Steven Knight, was completed prior to the WGA strike.
One striking aspect of the production is the attention to detail in Jolie’s costumes. Based on original garments worn by Maria Callas, the costumes promise to authentically capture the essence of the iconic opera singer. The production has also collaborated with animal rights groups, including PETA, regarding the use of vintage fur items from costume designer Massimo Cantini Parrini’s archive collection. A conscious decision was made not to use or source any new fur.
As anticipation builds for the 2024 release of “Maria,” it’s clear that Angelina Jolie’s dedication to the role, coupled with Larraín’s directorial vision, is set to deliver a cinematic experience that not only honors the legacy of Maria Callas but also showcases the transformative power of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses.