Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble. Fillet of a fenny snake; In the cauldron of Disney's make. Eye of newt and toe of frog; a MALEFICENT sequel is creeping from out the depths of an insidious fog.
Disney has announced today that cameras have started rolling on their upcoming sequel to MALEFICENT. The original live-action action fantasy adventure starring Angelina Jolie as the fallen fairy was directed by Robert Stromberg and released in 2014. The film had earned a worldwide total of $758.5 million for the House of Mouse, and so, naturally, it's time to revisit the property for more money-making magic at the box office.
MALEFICENT II is being shot at the UK Pinewood studios with both Jolie and Elle Fanning reprising their roles as the shunned fairy Maleficent and Princess Aurora, respectively. In recent times, the film based on Disney's animated classic SLEEPING BEAUTY has added both Robert Lindsay (WIMBLEDON) and Chiwetel Ejiofor (DOCTOR STRANGE) to its cast. The aforementioned duo will now join Michelle Pfeiffer as Queen Ingrith, and Ed Skrein and Harris Dickinson as Prince Phillip. Furthermore, we've also received confirmation that players from the original are set to reprise thier roles. Which means that Sam Riley will return as Diaval; Imelda Staunton as the pixie Knotgrass; Juno Temple as the pixie Thistlewit; and Lesley Manville as the pixie Flittle.
Early word would have us believe that MALEFICENT II will take place several years after the events of the first feature, with director Joachim Rønning (KON-TIKI, PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES) looking to further explore the relationship between the dark fairy herself and the destined Queen. Together, each will have to form a new alliance as they face unspeakable evils in the on-going battle to protect the moors and the magical creatures who dwell within.
Penning the film produced by Joe Roth and Jolie will be Linda Woolverton, Micah Fitzerman-Blue, and Noah Harpster.
Are you excited by the prospect of MALEFICENT II? Do you think this live-action exploration of the character has more tale to tell, or is Disney simply spinning their wheels, once again? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.