Pablo Larraíns latest biopic is in select theaters Nov. 27, then on Netflix Dec. 11
Angelina Jolie inhabits the larger-than-life persona of Maria Callas in an emotional new trailer for Maria.
Netflix debuted the new preview on Thursday, Oct. 24, showing Jolies transformation into Callas.
The Oscar winner, 49, stars as the late opera singer in director Pablo Larraíns latest biopic. Larraín notably focused his two previous films on 20th-century titans, Natalie Portman as former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in Jackie (2016) and Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana in Spencer (2021).
Larraíns latest follows the American-Greek soprano as she retreats to Paris after a glamorous and tumultuous life in the public eye, according to a synopsis. Maria follows the vocalist in her final days as the diva reckons with her identity and life.
The renowned sopranos vocal range famously spanned three octaves, which made her an international star. She died in Paris in 1977 of a heart attack at age 53.
Jolie previously shared during a press conference at the Venice Film Festival that she was nervous about singing in the role. (The film had its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival in August.)
I was terribly nervous; I spent almost seven months training, Jolie said at the August film festival. My first time singing, I remember being so nervous. My sons were there and they helped to block the door [so] that nobody else was coming in, and I was shaky.
And [Larraín], in his decency, started me in a small room and ended me in La Scala, she added. So he gave me time to grow. I was frightened to live up to [Callas].
Additionally, at the Sept. 2 screening at the Telluride Film Festival in Colorado, she raved about Larraín. I knew that as long as I gave my best, Pablo would be okay with it and somehow make it work. I knew I needed to do my best to try to help solve the puzzle, but I knew that he was a kind person and he was supportive and that helped.
Jolie, whose vocals are blended in the movie with real recordings of Callas singing, also revealed that despite the seven months of opera classes, great teachers and Italian classes, she was so nervous.
Maria also stars Kodi Smit-McPhee, Alba Rohrwacher, Pierfrancesco Favino and Valeria Golino.
Peaky Blinders creator and Spencer screenwriter Steven Knight wrote the script for Maria prior to 2023s Hollywood WGA strike, allowing for the movie to begin filming soon after that strike ended in September.
