After Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland became a global box-office smash, Disney’s whole catalog opened up in terms of bringing new takes on its classic properties to the big screen. The studio settled on Maleficent as its next project, a spin-off of Sleeping Beauty told from the villain’s perspective (think along the lines of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked), and they were even able to lock up their dream casting: Angelina Jolie.
The film has just entered production and Disney has decided to drum up some press by releasing an early image of Jolie as the titular villain (via Twitchfilm). This obscured glimpse at the costume shows that Disney is sticking with Maleficent’s iconic look (minus the green skin).
Directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Alice in Wonderland, Avatar), Maleficent tells of the events that “hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora.” The film, which takes place in a world of fairies and humans, also stars Elle Fanning as the princess, Sharlto Copley, Sam Riley (On the Road), Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville.
Maleficent will release in 3D on March 14, 2014.
