Production begins on Disney's 'Maleficent'

This June 14, 2012 image released by Disney Enterprises, Inc., shows actress Angelina Jolie in the title role of "Maleficent," the villian from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora. Production on the feature film directed by Robert Stromberg, began on June 13, and stars Jolie. Elle Fanning, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson and Juno Temple. ?Maleficent? is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D. (AP Photo/Disney Enterprises, Inc., Greg Williams)

This June 14, 2012 image released by Disney Enterprises, Inc., shows actress Angelina Jolie in the title role of "Maleficent," the villian from the 1959 classic "Sleeping Beauty." The film reveals the events that hardened her heart and drove her to curse the baby, Aurora. Production on the feature film directed by Robert Stromberg, began on June 13, and stars Jolie. Elle Fanning, Imelda Staunton, Miranda Richardson and Juno Temple. ?Maleficent? is scheduled for a March 14, 2014 release in 3D. (AP Photo/Disney Enterprises, Inc., Greg Williams)

BURBANK, Calif. (AP) ? Production has started on "Maleficent," with Angelina Jolie starring as the classic Disney villain from "Sleeping Beauty."

Work on the film began June 13, The Walt Disney Studios announced Tuesday. The studio also released the first image of Jolie in character, wearing a dark headdress and dramatic makeup.

"Maleficent" tells the beloved "Sleeping Beauty" fairy tale from the perspective of Aurora's evil nemesis, revealing the back story that led her to curse the girl as a baby. And it'll probably look pretty spectacular: "Maleficent" marks the directing debut of longtime visual effects and production designer Robert Stromberg, a two-time Oscar winner for "Avatar" and "Alice in Wonderland."

The film is scheduled for release on March 14, 2014.

Associated Press

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