Maleficent is back and as acerbic as ever. A teaser trailer has dropped for “Maleficent: Mistress of Evil,” a sequel to 2014’s “Sleeping Beauty” reimagining, “Maleficent.” The clip begins with the titular villainess (Angelina Jolie) recounting the ubiquitous myth of the witch, the princess, and the cursed spindle. “The story became legend,” she reveals. “But this is no fairy tale.”
“Mistress of Evil” seems to pick up after Princess Aurora (Elle Fanning) awakens from her enchanted slumber and becomes engaged to the prince. But Maleficent’s story isn’t done: she apparently wants to take over the kingdom herself. “There are many who prey on the innocent. I’m sure your kind would agree,” she informs the queen (Michelle Pfeiffer). The monarch takes that as a threat, and Maleficent does not correct her.
“Maleficent” grossed over $241 million at the domestic box office, and more than $758 million worldwide. Anna B. Sheppard nabbed an Oscar nomination for her costume design.
Jolie’s last big-screen role was in 2016’s “Kung Fu Panda 3.” Her upcoming projects include Thea Sharrock’s animated family feature “The One and Only Ivan,” Brenda Chapman’s “Peter Pan” and “Alice in Wonderland” prequel “Come Away,” and Chloé Zhao’s Marvel pic “The Eternals.”
“Maleficent: Mistress of Evil” hits theaters October 18. “Maleficent” scribe Linda Woolverton co-wrote the screenplay and Jolie is among the producers.
