Disney has announced a bevy ofMaleficent 2news this morning, including a brand new 2019 release date for the sequel. The 2014 filmMaleficentput a new spin on a classic story, asAngelina Joliefilled the titular role of theSleeping Beautyvillain with a story told entirely from her point of view. Once upon a time, this appeared to be the way forward for Disney’s live-action movies—new spins on classic stories told from different points of view. But the smashing success ofThe Jungle Bookinstead put Disney on the track of simply remaking their animated films in live-action (or photoreal CG) form.
Maleficent 2is now calledMaleficent: Mistress of Eviland its release date has been shifted from May 2020 to this coming July 18, 2025. The only film currently slated for release that weekend is an untitled Blumhouse horror movie, and it lands one week afterZombieland 2: Double Tapand theWill Smith-frontedGemini Man. The only other family film currently slated for release in the whole month of October is the animated adaptation ofThe Addams Family, so one imaginesMaleficent 2could do quite well here.
However, and this is pure conjecture on my part, the press release only notes that the film will be “released nationwide” on that October date. No mention of theaters. We’ve known for some time that Disney’s streaming service Disney+ is scheduled to debut this coming fall, which will boast original films and TV shows. Could Disney be using the release ofMaleficent 2to launch Disney+? It wouldn’t be entirely outside the realm of possibility, andMaleficent 2would be a major property with which to launch Disney+, so that makes a lot of sense to me. But I suppose we’ll find out for sure soon enough.
Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Talesco-directorJoachim Rønningis at the helm of the follow-up, which finds Jolie reprising her role as the title character. The sequel takes place years after the first movie and continues to explore the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen (Elle Fanning) as they struggle to protect the moors from new adversaries. So in addition to being aMaleficentfollow-up, it’s also pretty much aSleeping Beautysequel.
Check out the firstMaleficent 2poster below, and stay tuned for more news on the sequel. The cast for the film also includesMichelle Pfeifferas Queen Ingrith andHarris Dickinsonas Prince Philip, withChitwetel Ejiofor,Ed Skrein, andRobert Lindsayfilling out the new additions. Reprising their roles from the firstMaleficentareSam Riley,Imelda Staunton,Juno Temple, andLesley Manville.
