Maleficent provides Disney with a different formula – tell a well-known story, Sleeping Beauty, through the eyes of the villain. As is customary, when stories are told from another perspective, we “learn” more details that make other characters more or less sympathetic. Essentially, you should expect to somewhat root for the iconic villain in her starring role. In a new trailer released today, get a peek at the character’s wings (that’s right – she used to fly), and at the monstrous dragon she will evolve into!
The official premise of the film places emphasis on what leads Maleficent down the rocky path we see in Sleeping Beauty. Betrayal is key here, which ultimately transforms her into a heartless villain. Officially, Disney states: “Maleficent, the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty,” reveals the events that hardened Maleficent’s heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora, only to later realize that the child may hold the key to peace in the land.
Maleficent, a large summer tentpole film for Disney, arrives in theaters in about two months, on May 30th! Angelina Jolie has proven to be electric in the scenes we have seen so far, so we have high expectations.
The full plot synopsis:
“Maleficent” explores the untold story of Disney’s most iconic villain from the classic “Sleeping Beauty” and the elements of her betrayal that ultimately turn her pure heart to stone. Driven by revenge and a fierce desire to protect the moors over which she presides, Maleficent cruelly places an irrevocable curse upon the human king’s newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Aurora is caught in the middle of the seething conflict between the forest kingdom she has grown to love and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. Maleficent realizes that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land and is forced to take drastic actions that will change both worlds forever.
The film stars Angelina Jolie as Maleficent, Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.
“Maleficent” is produced by Joe Roth and directed by Robert Stromberg, with AngelinaJolie, Don Hahn, Palak Patel, Matt Smith and Sarah Bradshaw serving as executive producers. Linda Woolverton wrote the screenplay. “Maleficent” opens in U.S. theaters on May 30, 2014.
