The Maleficent Movie

[Maleficent]

For the past few months, rumors about a live-action Maleficent movie to be directed by Tim Burton have circulated. Perhaps the strongest piece of evidence is the fact that Disney has registered the domain name www.maleficentmovie.com (thanks to Jim Hill Media for the news).

Is this true? Well, yes and no. No: Tim Burton is not attached to the project. Yes: Linda Woolverton is. No: that doesn't mean that this movie is going to happen eventually.

Linda Woolverton, if you recall my Alice in Wonderland (2010) review, wrote the Burton-directed Alice. It was announced very recently (IGN, et al) that Linda Woolverton has signed on to write a script for the movie.

Only two things are known about the movie: 1) it is to be live-action, and 2) it is to be from Maleficent's point of view. This is, after all, Maleficent's movie; she'll be the main character.

Now, as a huge Maleficent fan, you're probably wondering what I think of this. Well, to be honest... I will be cautiously optimistic. It's no secret that I wasn't very impressed with Burton and Woolverton's treatment of Alice in Wonderland, but I won't write off Woolverton as a hack just yet. While Alice wasn't (in my opinion) a great movie, we must keep in mind that it was Woolverton who was also responsible for the screenplays of the wonderful films, Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King. I'm more than willing to give Linda Woolverton another chance to redeem herself.

I don't oppose to the Maleficent movie idea, but until I hear about more details (mainly who will play Maleficent), I won't be completely thrilled either. You see, in my opinion you absolutely need the late Eleanor Audley's voice to make Maleficent shine brightly. But since that obviously can't happen, whoever takes on the role of Maleficent is crucial.

Another thing I'm worried about: this movie is going to be "through the eyes of Maleficent." That doesn't mean this is going to be like "Wicked," right? Please, lord, don't let this be like "Wicked." Hey, I love "Wicked," but I refuse to accept Maleficent as a dweeby college student singing melancholic love songs. No. Just, no. No one would mourn the Woolverton if that happened.

Other than that, I'll just have to wait and see. It's not like this movie is completely confirmed, anyway! Whom would I suggest to play Maleficent? If I had to give an answer, it would probably be Meryl Streep. She's an accomplished actress, and has a 'unique' kind of face. After seeing her fantastic portrayal of Julia Child, I think she could pull it off.

What do you think? Please post your opinion on this matter! Casting suggestions are also welcome, too.

[Rapunzel]

All I can say is "Linda Woolverton, if Maleficent breaks out into hiphop dance in this, expect a severed dragon head in your bed the next morning." :3

In all honesty, and I am in NO WAY supporting it being like Wicked, but I think Elphaba's original portrayal actor, Idina Menzel would make an excellent Maleficent. :B

[elisamaza]

I'm kinda on the fence about this movie, and my main thought when I first heard about it was please, dear God, don't let Tim Burton touch it. He's not good at movies based on someone else's characters. Looks like we're good on that end. And Joe, I totally agree about Linda Woolverton. She's shelled out some great scripts, and I have a feeling that as long as Tim Burton's not involved, we're good with her too.

(Seriously, the Mad Hatter breakdancing? WTH?!)

Idina might be a good choice. My first thought was Anjelica Huston.

[Alice]

Hey, Elisa! It's great to see you post! ^^

Anjelica Huston is another great choice. I don't care what anyone else says; I find her very sexy. And she's very accomplished at being both darkly seductive (Morticia Addams) and fantastically cruel (The Witches). And drama, too (The Royal Tenenbaums).

[tiana]

Aaaaand yet more news.

LOS ANGELES, Calif.

Angelina Jolie may be joining forces with Disney.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the actress “is keen on” the title role in the studio’s “Maleficent,” a live action version of the classic animated film “Sleeping Beauty” from the perspective of the villainous fairy godmother.

The paper cautions that no deals have been signed, but that Angelina has a free schedule after completing “The Tourist” opposite Johnny Depp and “would like to sign on to play the titular villain” in the upcoming film.

Tim Burton, who paired with Disney for this month’s box office-topping “Alice in Wonderland,” has been rumored to direct “Maleficent.”

Disney reps would not comment on the film to the paper.

In the meantime, Angelina’s next movie, the spy drama “Salt,” hits theaters on July 23.



Not exactly sure on this...I liked her as Master Tigress in Kung Fu Panda....but....ehhhh.....Maleficent? :/ Well, I guess to look on the bright side of things, its not set in stone yet...remember, there was more than one person (including Alicia Keys, Tyra Banks and Jennifer Hudson) who wanted to play Tiana so...there's still hope this won't come to be. :X

...that still doesn't stop me from doing a photo manip.



DDDD: OH DEAR LORD WHAT HAVE I DONE.

[Maleficent]

Angelina Jolie is not my first, second, third, or even fourth choice to play Maleficent. But I don't think it would be the end of the world if she is cast, either. We'll see...

Haha! Nice edit!

[San]

Oh god, Tiana... just... why? I cannot unsee that. D:

Anyway, still really don't like this idea. :/ Classic Disney animated films need to stay classic Disney animated films, they don't need to have bizarre live-action remakes like this. I have to admit I'm curious as to how they transfer the style and 'feel' of the animated film to this movie (having absolutely none of the classic Tchaicovsky score would be crossing the line for me, though, that music is Sleeping Beauty), but I'm still really not all for the concept.

[Alice]

Yeah, Heffy. Perfectly sound opinion! Speaking of live-action remakes, didn't Disney remake The Jungle Book into a live-action film, or was that a different movie company? I have vague memories of such a film...

And I agree about the Tchaikovsky music. Although it is heavily derived from Tchaikovksy's music, Sleeping Beauty nonetheless has (in my opinion) one of the greatest scores for any animated film. Stripping that music from Sleeping Beauty would render the film very fractured.

[esmeralda]

Angelina huh?

Hmm, maybe Maleficent didn't want to kill Aurora she was just pissed Stefan didn't let her adopt the baby!"

I don't mind Angelina, actually. She's a good actress, but its how over-exposed she is in her personal life that makes me not want to watch her. I just find it annoying a lot of actors put SO much of their RL's out there (yes the media doesn't help) but you need to maintain enough mystery to be convincing in your roles, jmho.

Mar 25, 2010 0:48:45 GMT -8 Rapunzel said:

In all honesty, and I am in NO WAY supporting it being like Wicked, but I think Elphaba's original portrayal actor, Idina Menzel would make an excellent Maleficent. :B

Thank you! I'm sorry but if they secretly make Mal a freedom fighter who changed after she fell in love (depending on if we're talking about book!Elphie or Musical!Elphie) then I'll just roll my eyes.

I ADORE Idina *wants to apply for Circe* xD.

[Donald Duck]

Only rumors, but still enough to give pause to anyone with paws!

Something bad... is happening in Oz! Something baaaaaaaaaaad--sorry.

[oswald]

lol thats very good quote.

[Frenchie and K. Sera]

Mar 30, 2010 19:57:48 GMT -8 Alice said:

Speaking of live-action remakes, didn't Disney remake The Jungle Book into a live-action film, or was that a different movie company? I have vague memories of such a film...

Yes, Disney did do a live-action Jungle Book film; it starred Jason Scott Lee. While I'm actually fond of that particular movie (prolly because I don't care much for their animated Jungle Book), the idea of a Maleficent movie doesn't do much for me. I was especially put off when I initially heard Burton was reportedly going to be involved (anyone else other than me just really tired of his schtick?).

I think Disney just needs to leave their classic films alone. More often than not, their sequels/prequels/etc. tend to be more miss then hit.

@frida: DO EET.

[oswald]

So lets see their are two Disney films that were animated and they got live action versions and this might be the third.

[Donald Duck]

Unless you consider The Sorcerer's Apprentice (2010 film) to be a remake of the Fantasia sequence. I never considered it a remake, but Disney itself is marketing it as such. Odd!

Not that I've, you know, watched the movie! I'd rather wait for DVD, or TV, or so.

As for Disney sequels, I'd go far enough to say 9/10 of them have been misses. But then again, I'm biased! Heh.

[Pongo]

and speaking of live action films you can't forget 101 Dalmatians in 1996 which was live action and followed the novel version a bit closer

[Donald Duck]

Ah, yes. I knew we were forgetting something! Although Roger Radcliffe as a video game programmer instead of a musician depresses me.

[Frenchie and K. Sera]

That is weird, Joseph. I guess Disney wanted to keep some sort of connection to Fantasia, but even so they could call the new Sorcerer's Apprentice a re-imaging or something and still have that connection.

Yeah, there are the two live-action Dalmatian movies.

At the risk of getting off-topic, I think there have been only four Disney sequels/prequels/etc. I liked. I'm not sure if you can count the Aladdin TV series as a sequel, but if so, then that'd make it five. I used to like 101 Dalmatians 2: Patch's London Adventure, but the more I thought about it, I just like Lil' Lightning's character and the fact that it had more of a connection to the original animated film. The movie could stand to be improved in more then a few areas.

[Donald Duck]

That's cool!

In general, I despise Disney sequels. But I won't bore everyone with the details! That's what reviews are for. Muahahaha! >=D

[Maleficent]

News flash! Tim Burton will NOT direct the Maleficent movie. According to the source, Burton wasn't even strongly attached to the project. Linda Woolverton's involvement seems confirmed, though.

For those of you who staunchly oppose the Maleficent movie, I got some bad news. Burton might not direct, but the project isn't dead. In fact, Disney is currently searching for a director.

Source: www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/tim-burton-wont-direct-disneys-188700?_r=true

[Maleficent]

Well, this movie is pretty much confirmed. It is happening, whether you like it or not... and at this point, I don't think any one of us is particularly thrilled about this project, really. I mean, I started out as cautiously optimistic, but the new details just completely turned me off.

Opinion aside, here's the news. Maleficent has a director. His name is Robert Stromberg. Never heard of him? Neither have I. His credits include the following: production designer on Avatar and Disney's Alice in Wonderland, and Disney's upcoming Oz: The Great and Powerful, and head of visual effects/production designer on such films as 2012, Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End, and Master and Commander.

Angelina Jolie is still attached to play Maleficent.

Here's hoping that the eventual teaser/trailer will win me over. As it stands, I'm left a bit cold.

Source: movies.ign.com/articles/121/1216015p1.html

[Dreamchild]

Angelina Jolie is definitely confirmed now. She revealed it at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Source: movies.ign.com/articles/121/1218522p1.html

[Maleficent]

I can't believe it's been two full years since this news thread was started. Anyway...

It's getting harder and harder for me to post news stories without my personal opinions and feelings getting in the way. I absolutely hate being a walking Fox News, so I'll try my best to be temperate.

That said, here are some more Maleficent Movie news. The movie is expected to begin shooting this June. Angelina Jolie is Maleficent, and, very recently, Jolie has revealed that the titular fairy won't be all bad. "I hope in the end you see a woman who is capable of being many things, and just because she protects herself and is aggressive, it doesn’t mean she can’t have other [warmer] qualities. You have to figure out the puzzle of what she is."

She continued about how Maleficent could be considered a positive role model for little girls. "It sounds really crazy to say that there will be something that’s good for young girls in this, because it sounds like you’re saying they should be a villain. [Maleficent] is actually a great person. But she’s not perfect. She’s far from perfect."

So, you're probably wondering: how else could they butcher the character? (Dang, so much for temperate). Well, she'll at least look the part. "We’re still figuring out the look. We’re experimenting with different things. But the horns are the horns – you can’t deny them. You have to have horns."

I'll just get my two cents out of the way quickly. The only way I could see "Maleficent isn't all bad" working is if they explained her origin, and how she started out as a neutral (or, sigh, good) fairy but ultimately became the Mistress of All Evil. I don't want this to be a Wicked rip-off. I want this to be Maleficent's backstory. We'll see how the movie handles this.

Source: collider.com/angelina-jolie-talks-maleficent/154960/?_r=true

[Dreamchild]

RISE, THREAD! RISE FROM YOUR GRAVE!

I'm not posting as Maleficent for this nugget, because is the effort really worth it anymore? Derp!

Haha, sorry to make a negative joke. Well, here's something I wish I could say is positive!



I'm not excited. Now, you can say to me, "Joe, you really shouldn't judge a movie by its teaser trailer." And you would be totally right! You'd be super correct with that assertion.

But I have had an 'advantage' to you all. I attended the D23 2013 Expo, and I have watched ten minutes worth of this movie, Maleficent. And I don't think all the forces of Hell could save it from being, at the most, mildly disappointing.

So, I'll try and soften the blow. This movie takes Sleeping Beauty and dismantles it. Quite graphically. It creates a NEW Sleeping Beauty, something COMPLETELY different from the original movie. If this is the kind of thing you're into, then you're bound to love this. But if you were expecting, even hoping for a mere backstory/"My side" take of the tale...

"You poor, simple fools. Thinking a motion picture whose envy of Wicked is so blatant could amount to something decent..."

It's funny. I had a total evolution throughout this multi-year thread. I started out being cautiously optimistic, and now I'm flat-out displeased. Man...

[Royal Pain]

Hm, I have to agree with you. Visually it's nice, with some stunning effects even, but after everything else I've read here and on other places...I'm not too excited about it. I might see it, but at the same time I'm wondering if it'll be worth it to shell out the ridiculous price for movie tickets nowadays. Because i know if I'm really disappointed, I'm going to hate myself for paying 10 bucks to go see it. xP

I mean...I can like movies that create new things. I really can, and I think when done right they can be awesome. But for Maleficent, I'm really leery. Especially with past posts about OH SHE'S NOT ALL BAD. Given how awesome she is as a villain, I'm just worried they'll try and make her way too sympathetic, and then it won't make any sense at all. I just don't know...I'm curious to see it, but at the same time bracing myself for some major disappointment lol! Sad as this sounds, I'm really not going to go into it if I do go see it expecting a great movie.

[Dreamchild]

Haha! You make a good point. To be honest, this movie is going to 'win' as far as I, myself, am concerned. Meaning I will watch this movie at some point, guaranteed. Because... it's Maleficent. lol Maybe not in theaters, but perchance as a Netflix rental or something.

At the D23 movie panel, the filmmakers and Disney host flat out said, "This movie will make you root for her!" and "You'll find SHE'S not really the evil one," implying that King Stefan is a villain, if not the primary villain. And they showed more clips of Maleficent watching Briar Rose/Aurora from the trees. It's really goddamn creepy, I'm not going to lie. And not the cool "ominous" creepy. I mean more like--


"Guess who, homies?"


"Oh, crap."


"Well, I see you're already seated. Let's talk about why you like to watch Little Rory in silence."


"Nope! Bye!" *vanishes into fireplace that just happened to be there for the sake of this unfunny joke*


"... SOMEDAY, MALEFICENT. SOMEDAY..."

Yeah, I know, the movie's gonna explain it, 'cause those clips are all out of context. Still, it's just... I don't know. I just didn't like what I watched. But, again, I will watch it at some point. lol

And hey, maybe expecting it to not be good will help us! Because then we'd have a low expectation going in.