Production begins on Disney's 'Maleficent'

[June 20, 2012]  BURBANK, Calif. (AP) -- Production has started on "Maleficent," with Angelina Jolie starring as the classic Disney villain from "Sleeping Beauty."

Work on the film began June 13, The Walt Disney Studios announced Tuesday. The studio also released the first image of Jolie in character, wearing a dark headdress and dramatic makeup.

"Maleficent" tells the beloved "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale from the perspective of Aurora's evil nemesis, revealing the back story that led her to curse the girl as a baby. And it'll probably look pretty spectacular: "Maleficent" marks the directing debut of longtime visual effects and production designer Robert Stromberg, a two-time Oscar winner for "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland."

The film is scheduled for release on March 14, 2014.

[Associated Press]

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