Angelina Jolie to portray Maria Callas in upcoming biographical film, featuring her life, career, iconic music, and a sneak peek into the movie trailers
In the world of cinema, biopics have become a popular genre, and the upcoming film 'Maria' is no exception. This highly anticipated movie stars Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer, Maria Callas. The film, directed by Pablo Larraín, is set to hit UK cinemas in January 2025.
'Maria' is a creative reimagining of Callas' final days in 1970s Paris, focusing on the opera diva as she retreats from her glamorous and tumultuous public career to confront her identity, life, and legacy. The plot delves into Maria Callas' struggles with body image and health issues, her intense personal and professional life, and her emotional and psychological portrait as she confronts loneliness and the fading of her career and fame in her final days.
Directed by Larraín and scripted by Steven Knight, 'Maria' is not a conventional biopic but rather an operatic and somewhat imaginative exploration of Callas’s last moments, emotions, and reflections on her identity. The film captures Callas' grandeur and complexity as both an artistic icon and a deeply troubled individual.
Key details about Maria Callas depicted include her early career challenges with body image, her tragic death in 1977 at age 53 from a heart attack, and her personal life, including her relationship with Aristotle Onassis and her subsequent isolation in Paris.
The filming for 'Maria' took place over eight weeks across Europe, in Paris (France), Greece, Budapest (Hungary), and Milan (Italy). Notably, 'Maria' features some of Jolie's voice mixed with Maria Callas recordings, particularly in the rendition of 'Casta Diva' from Bellini's opera Norma.
Angelina Jolie's performance in 'Maria' has been critically noted, earning her a Golden Globe nomination for the role. The biopic is produced by Fabula Pictures' Juan de Dios Larraín, Fremantle Company's Apartment Pictures' Lorenzo Mieli, and Komlizen Film's Jonas Dornbach.
Larraín and Knight previously collaborated on the biopic 'Spencer', starring Kristen Stewart. The screenplay for 'Maria' is by Steven Knight, who is also known for writing 'Peaky Blinders'.
Jolie underwent extensive training for over seven months to give a convincing impression of an opera star for 'Maria'. The film tells the "tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story" of Callas' life, as per a press release.
Callas was hailed by Leonard Bernstein as "the Bible of opera," and her recordings, such as the unparalleled one of 'Tosca' in 1952, stand as testaments to her extraordinary talent. 'Maria' promises to be a poignant, artistic interpretation of Callas’s life, focusing on her final years in Paris, exploring her internal struggles and external battles as a legendary voice in decline.
[1] The Guardian. (2023, October 1). Angelina Jolie to play Maria Callas in new biopic from Pablo Larraín. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/film/2023/oct/01/angelina-jolie-to-play-maria-callas-in-new-biopic-from-pablo-larrain
[2] Variety. (2023, October 1). Angelina Jolie to portray Maria Callas in Pablo Larraín’s biopic. [online] Available at: https://variety.com/2023/film/news/angelina-jolie-maria-callas-pablo-larrain-biopic-1235478101/
[3] Deadline. (2023, October 1). Angelina Jolie To Play Maria Callas In Pablo Larraín's Biopic For Fremantle. [online] Available at: https://deadline.com/2023/10/angelina-jolie-to-play-maria-callas-in-pablo-larrain-biopic-for-fremantle-1235478101/
[4] IMDb. (n.d.). Maria (2025). [online] Available at: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt18244808/
[5] The Hollywood Reporter. (2023, October 1). Angelina Jolie to Play Maria Callas in Biopic From Pablo Larraín. [online] Available at: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/angelina-jolie-to-play-maria-callas-in-biopic-from-pablo-larrain-1235478101/
- This upcoming movie, 'Maria', falling under the category of movies-and-tv, serves as a captivating portrayal of the life of legendary opera singer, Maria Callas, delving into her struggles, personal life, and emotional battles, offering an exciting addition to the world of entertainment.
- Directed by Pablo Larraín and produced by Fabula Pictures, Apartment Pictures, and Komlizen Film, 'Maria' promises to be an operatic, thought-provoking work of entertainment, providing a unique and creative glimpse into the final days of the iconic opera diva, Maria Callas.
