Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie sports thick retro glasses and poses in a white cardigan in her first look as opera singer Maria Callas from the upcoming biopic Maria, dropped by the makers of the film on Monday.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, who had helmed Jackie and Spencer, Maria aims to explore the extraordinary life of Maria Callas, often referred to as the original diva, with a focus on her final days in 1970s’ Paris.
The official description of the film states that it will be based on true accounts, offering viewers a glimpse into the beautiful yet tragic journey of the world's greatest opera singer.
According to US entertainment magazine Variety, Maria is an independent production with an interim agreement from SAG-AFTRA. The production is scheduled to span eight weeks, with filming in Paris, Greece, Budapest and Milan.
The ensemble cast of the film includes renowned actors such as Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, Kodi Smit-McPhee and Valeria Golino.
Variety also reported that Angelina Jolie's costumes in the film are based on real garments worn by Callas herself, including vintage fur items from Massimo Cantini Parrini's archive collection. In a nod to ethical fashion, the production consulted with PETA to ensure that no new fur was used in the making of the film.
"I am incredibly excited to start production on 'Maria,' which I hope will bring Maria Callas' remarkable life and work to audiences all around the world, thanks to the magnificent script by Steven Knight, the work of the entire cast and crew, and especially, Angelina's brilliant work and extraordinary preparation,” Pablo Larraín said in a statement to Variety.
