"Maleficent 2" has been confirmed as one of Disney's dozens of upcoming live-action projects for the next three years. Angelina Jolie's return to the sequel as its titular character has also been confirmed over the summer.
With a rumored release date of May 2017, "Maleficent 2" should already begin filming soon. Here's what's up with the project so far.
Dark Horizons reports that "Maleficent 2" will be released in theaters on May 9, 2017. But with this schedule nearing, there has been no confirmation that production has actually kicked off. Hence, it is likely movie-goers will be seeing the film sometime 2018, at the earliest. Disney has yet to give its official word about the sequel's release date.
"Beauty and the Beast" scribe Linda Woolverton, who also wrote the first "Maleficent" released in 2014, will also write the sequel. She confirmed via We Got This Covered that "Maleficent 2" will tackle "the next step in the relationship" that exists between the titular character and her ward, Aurora (Ella Fanning). In the movie, though Maleficent was depicted as an evil queen, she developed deep care and motherly love for Aurora.
Screen Rant reports that Angelina Jolie's casting for "Maleficent 2" came as a surprise as the actress' contract did not specify any participation a sequel. Despite this, the actress was constantly being updated on the development of "Maleficent 2." The sequel is being written especially for Angelina Jolie.
In 2014 and while promoting "Maleficent 2" in China, Angelina Jolie said that playing the character was fun but quite hard to top. Yet she seemed open to the idea of reprising the role. "Maybe I'll get the chance to play her again," she told a crowd, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
"Maleficent" earned $758,539,785 worldwide, Box Office Mojo reports. Thus, it's not surprising for Disney to pursue developing its sequel knowing that the film is a money-maker. Keep checking back to this site for more updates about the movie.
