Angelina Jolie is making her long-awaited return to the big screen this fall, stepping into the iconic shoes of one of the 20th century’s greatest opera legends.
Teaming up with director Pablo Larraín, Jolie stars as Maria Callas in Maria, a psychological drama that reimagines the Greek-American soprano’s turbulent final days before her death in 1977. With Maria, Jolie and Larraín promise a haunting exploration of an artist whose life was as intense and dramatic as her music. Below, we break down everything you need to know about the upcoming film.
Angelina Jolie Takes On the Role of a Lifetime
Jolie plays Maria Callas, widely regarded as one of the most influential opera singers of her time. The singer’s life, filled with highs as euphoric as her soaring arias and lows that left her in despair, was notorious for its dramatic turns. From a fraught relationship with her domineering mother to scandalous love affairs—including a controversial romance with Greek shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis—Callas led a life that was as operatic offstage as on. In her final years, she retreated into solitude in Paris, where she passed away at 53, leaving behind a complex legacy.
Maria marks Jolie’s first acting role since 2021’s Eternals, ending her hiatus from the Hollywood spotlight. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie touched on her personal connection to Callas. “People might see parallels between us, but the real connection was our discomfort with being public figures,” Jolie shared. “Maria loved to sing, just as I love to create, but the demands of being a public persona can strip away that joy. She went through so much—people were cruel when she couldn’t live up to their expectations. I wanted to honor that side of her story.”
A Netflix Release After a Festival Debut
Following its premiere at the Venice Film Festival this past August, Maria is set for a limited release in select theaters starting November 27. For those who prefer watching from the comfort of their home, the film will be available on Netflix on December 11. So, whether you’re a die-hard opera fan or just curious to see Jolie’s latest dramatic turn, you won’t have to wait long.
Angelina Jolie’s Transformation into Maria Callas
The full-length trailer for Maria, released on October 24, gives audiences their first glimpse of Jolie’s portrayal of Callas. In one evocative scene, Jolie’s Callas declares, “An exaltation. An intoxication. I thought the stage itself would burn.” The trailer captures her love for the stage—and the anguish of a life lived under the harsh scrutiny of the public eye.
Director Pablo Larraín, known for his interest in complex female figures, takes the helm. Maria is the third entry in his so-called “Great Woman trilogy,” following 2016’s Jackie, starring Natalie Portman as Jackie Kennedy, and 2021’s Spencer, with Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. Both roles earned their stars Oscar nods, sparking speculation that Jolie could be next in line for an award season sweep.
Does Jolie Sing in the Film?
Jolie’s portrayal of Callas involves more than just nailing the icon’s onstage charisma—there’s also the question of singing. According to director Pablo Larraín, the film blends Jolie’s voice with Callas’ original recordings.
“[Angelina] had different trainers. First, it was about posture, breathing, and mastering the accent,” Larraín told IndieWire. “Then came the singing itself. Angie had to wear an earpiece on set and sing out loud—only her voice echoed back. We captured every nuance: her breathing, her struggle. Sometimes it’s pure Callas, especially in the moments she’s at her peak. Other times, it’s a mix—sometimes 5 percent Angie, sometimes 70. It depended on the scene and the story being told.”
A Collaboration Between Jolie and Larraín
Pablo Larraín is no stranger to cinematic depictions of the lives of famous women haunted by their circumstances. His previous films, Jackie and Spencer, offered raw, intimate looks at their subjects’ emotional struggles under public scrutiny. In Maria, Larraín once again dives deep, this time into the psyche of a woman whose passion for her craft was constantly at odds with the demands of fame and her tumultuous personal life.
With Jolie at the center of it all, Maria promises a thoughtful portrayal that captures both the triumphs and heartbreaks of one of the 20th century’s greatest musical talents. Whether you’re drawn to the beauty of opera, fascinated by Callas’ life story, or simply excited for Jolie’s acting return, Maria looks set to deliver a powerful and moving narrative that stays with you long after the final note fades.
