Angelina Jolie transforms into 'MARIA' in trailer for María Callas biopic

The Oscar winner, Angelina Joliereturns this year to the big screen with the leading role in the biographical film Mariafrom the Chilean director Pablo Larrainbased on the life of the legendary soprano considered the most important opera singer of the 20th century, Maria Callas.

Larraín's film continues to take him along the paths of the biopic centered on a historical and iconic woman – mixed with his own vision of the events –, similar to other feature films by the director such as Jackie (2016) y Spencer (2021). The filmmaker also made other films that revolve around historical figures without being a biopic like Neruda (2016) y The Count (2023).

María is a Netflix original production. The streamer revealed the first official trailer of the long-awaited project, focused on the figure of Jolie as María Callas. The critics who had the opportunity to see the film at the different film festivals where it has been presented have not stopped praising the work of the interpreter, who is already emerging as one of the serious contenders for the awards ceremonies.

The preview is available at the end of this note.

SYNOPSIS:

“María, based on true stories, will tell the “tumultuous, beautiful and tragic story” from the life of one of the best opera singers in the world, revived and reinvented during its final days in 1970s Paris. The influential American-born Greek icon, once described as “the Bible of opera” by Leonard Bernstein, is also linked to another of Larraín's films, as she had a famous love affair with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis , who later married Jackie Kennedy.”

The cast is headed by Jolie, along with Pierfrancesco Favino (Adagio, The Hummingbird), Alba Rohrwacher (La Chimera, Hungry Hearts), Haluk Bilginer (Winter Sleep), Kodi Smit-McPhee (The Power of the Dog, Elvis) y Valeria Golino (Portrait of a Lady on Fire).

The script was written by Steven Knightwho previously collaborated with Larraín with the script for Spencer. Knight has written feature films such as Locke, Pawn Sacrifice, The Hundred-Foot Journey, Burnt, Woman Walks Aheadand series like See, Tabooand the acclaimed Peaky Blinders.

ABOUT MARÍA CALLAS

Callas was one of the most important personalities in the world of 20th century opera. One of the most recognized sopranos of all time, she was as known for her diva temperament and feud with Renata Trebaldi as for her exceptional vocal talent.. The Greek-American singer also struggled with myopia throughout her life and famously experienced transformative weight loss in the 1950s. Her achievements in opera were so extensive that many of her admirers referred to to her as La Divina or “The Divine”.

Callas was one of the most important personalities in the world of 20th century opera. One of the most recognized sopranos of all time, she was as known for her diva temperament and feud with Renata Trebaldi as for her exceptional vocal talent.. The Greek-American singer also struggled with myopia throughout her life and famously experienced transformative weight loss in the 1950s. Her achievements in opera were so extensive that many of her admirers referred to to her as “The Divine”.

THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCENES

Juan de Dios Larraín produces for Fábula Pictures, Lorenzo Mieli for The Apartment Pictures, and Fremantle Company, and Jonas Dornbach for Komlizen Film.

Jolie's wardrobe, according to the producers, is based on original garments worn by Callas. The production has consulted with animal rights groups, including PETA. A conscious decision was made not to use or source new skins.

FILMING AND RELEASE DATE

Filming took place in cities such as Paris, Greece, Budapest and Milan. Its world premiere was held at the last 81st edition of the prestigious Venice Film Festival.

El streamer The biopic will be released in select theaters on November 27, 2024 and on Netflix on December 11. in the United States. In Mexico and the rest of Latin America will be distributed by Diamond Films on date to be announced.

Official trailer: