Netflix Acquires U.S. Rights to Pablo Larraín's 'Maria' Biopic Starring Angelina Jolie
Netflix has officially secured the U.S. distribution rights for the highly anticipated biopic Maria, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Pablo Larraín and starring Angelina Jolie as the legendary opera singer Maria Callas. This acquisition follows a competitive bidding war, further solidifying Netflix's relationship with Larraín, who is known for his compelling portrayals of iconic women.
Maria offers a creative and psychological exploration of the final days of Maria Callas, an American-born Greek soprano who rose to fame as one of the most celebrated opera singers of the 20th century. Set in 1970s Paris, the film delves into Callas's journey of self-discovery, as she shifts from performing for the world to finding her own voice. In an official statement, Larraín expressed his excitement about working with Netflix once again, calling Maria his most personal project to date. “I’m deeply honored to tell this story and share it with audiences worldwide like Maria did with her life,” he added.
This film marks the third collaboration between Larraín and Netflix on female-driven narratives, following Spencer, which featured Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana, and Jackie, starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. Jolie's portrayal of Maria Callas in Maria completes this thematic trilogy.
Maria also features a strong supporting cast, including Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino, and Valeria Golino. The film is produced by Juan de Dios Larraín, Lorenzo Mieli, and Jonas Dornbach, alongside production companies The Apartment, Fabula, and Komplizen & Fremantle.
The film is set to make its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival on August 29, 2024, before its official release on Netflix.
