First poster for Maleficent

Maleficent is the newest Disney live-action adaptation from Sleeping Beauty. It stars Angelina Jolie in the title role and will tell the classic tale through the eyes of the villain. Maleficent will be followed by other live-action adaptations for Cinderella and Cruella de Vil. Robert Stromberg is making his directorial debut.

In addition to this poster, which looks pretty darn good, we will be getting the first trailer tomorrow. Also starring alongside Jolie are Sharlto Copley, Elle Fanning, Sam Riley, and Juno Temple.

Here is the synopsis:

"A beautiful, pure-hearted young woman, Maleficent has an idyllic life growing up in a peaceable forest kingdom, until one day when an invading army threatens the harmony of the land. Maleficent rises to be the land’s fiercest protector, but she ultimately suffers a ruthless betrayal—an act that begins to turn her pure heart to stone. Bent on revenge, Maleficent faces an epic battle with the invading king’s successor and, as a result, places a curse upon his newborn infant Aurora. As the child grows, Maleficent realizes that Aurora holds the key to peace in the kingdom—and perhaps to Maleficent’s true happiness as well."

Disney to develop live-action Cruella de Vil movie

In addition to live-action adaptations for Snow White, Maleficent, and Cinderella, Disney is following suit and continuing the trend with a live-action movie for Cruella de Vil. You know Cruella as the rather famous Disney villain from 101 Dalmatians.

Cruella first appeared in the 1956 animated feature and was later portrayed, very well, by Glenn Close in a live-action version of the film in 1996. There is no word on exactly what this movie will focus on in regards to Cruella, but I am pretty sure the fate of this will depend on the success of Maleficent next year. If Maleficent isn't a hit I don't think they would move forward on another Disney villain movie.

Helena Bonham Carter to play Cinderella's fairy godmother

And this isn't even a Tim Burton flick.

Helena Bonham Carter (Les Miserables) has been added to the cast of Kenneth Branagh's upcoming adaptation of Cinderella. Carter will be playing the fairy godmother who gives Cinderella her one night to try and win the prince. This version of the tale will feature the godmother more than in the Disney cartoon. She is disguised as an old beggar woman who watches over Cinderella

The film also stars Lily James as Cinderella, Cate Blanchett as the evil stepmother, and Richard Madden as the prince. Filming is set to begin this fall in London.

Emma Watson turns down role for Cinderella

I guess she's tired of being stereotyped in the kids category.

Emma Watson (Harry Potter series, The Perks of Being a Wallflower) has reportedly turned down the lead role in Kenneth Branagh's upcoming live-action reboot of Cinderella. The only actress confirmed for the movie so far is Cate Blanchett who will star as the Evil Stepmother. She stayed with the project after the studio dumped director Mark Romanek for Branagh.


Oh well. How many live-action versions of classic Disney cartoons do we really need?