Netflix secures U.S. rights to Pablo Larraín’s ‘Maria’ starring Angelina Jolie
A new chapter in biographical cinema
Netflix has recently acquired the U.S. distribution rights for Pablo Larraín‘s latest biopic, “Maria”, featuring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. This acquisition marks another significant addition to Netflix’s growing portfolio of high-profile films.
A director’s personal journey
In a heartfelt statement, Larraín expressed his enthusiasm for partnering with Netflix once again. “This film is my most personal work yet,” he shared. “It is a creative imagining and psychological portrait of Maria Callas who, after dedicating her life to performing for audiences around the world, decides finally to find her own voice, her own identity, and sing for herself. I’m deeply honored to tell this story and share it with audiences worldwide like Maria did with her life.”
Stellar cast and crew
“Maria” boasts an impressive cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino. The screenplay, penned by Steven Knight, known for his work on “Peaky Blinders” and Larraín’s previous film “Spencer,” promises a compelling narrative. The film’s visual storytelling is in the capable hands of Edward Lachman, the cinematographer behind “El Conde” and “Carol.”
Production powerhouse
The film is produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Lorenzo Mieli, and Jonas Dornbach, and comes from the production companies The Apartment (a Fremantle Company), Fabula, and Komplizen & Fremantle. Andrea Scrosati of Fremantle expressed delight at the film finding its U.S. home with Netflix, praising the platform’s commitment to supporting the film.
A continued partnership
This acquisition marks Netflix’s second collaboration with Larraín, following the success of “El Conde” (2023), which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography. “Maria” is also the seventh project between Fabula and Netflix, including the upcoming film “In Her Place” by Maite Alberdi.
Dan Lin, Netflix’s film chairman, highlighted the ongoing fruitful partnership with Larraín and Fabula. “Pablo continues a remarkable streak of exploring iconic women through film, this time with the incredible Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas,” he said.
Exploring iconic women
“Maria” is the third film in Larraín’s exploration of iconic female protagonists, following “Jackie” (2016) and “Spencer” (2021). Each film delves into the complex lives of these women, offering a nuanced portrayal that resonates with audiences.
World premiere at Venice Film Festival
The film is set to have its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 29. This prestigious event will provide a fitting stage for the debut of a film that promises to be both a visual and emotional masterpiece.
A deeper dive into ‘Maria’
For cinema enthusiasts, “Maria” offers a rich tapestry of themes to explore. The film delves into the life of Maria Callas, a woman who, despite her public success, struggled with personal identity and fulfillment. Larraín’s direction, combined with Jolie’s portrayal, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to Callas’s story, highlighting her inner turmoil and quest for self-discovery.
Watch the trailer
To get a glimpse of this highly anticipated film, check out the Maria trailer.
Final thoughts
“Maria” is more than just a biopic; it’s a journey into the soul of an artist who, despite her fame, sought to find her true voice. With a stellar cast, a talented crew, and the backing of Netflix, this film is poised to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impact. Whether you’re a fan of cinema, TV series, or music, “Maria” promises to be a film that resonates on multiple levels, offering both entertainment and profound insights into the life of an iconic figure.