This flick, a retelling of the tale of Sleeping Beauty from the viewpoint of the villain, ala Wicked, has been languishing in development limbo for a couple years now, unable to attach a director. At one point in looked like Tim Burton would helm this one, but after he walked away the horn-hood was passed from Darren Aranofsky to Guillermo Del Toro (one I would have really liked to see.)
The good news is, the studio has announced they've finally found a director. The bad news is this will be his first time in the driver's seat. He is visual effects supervisor Robert Stromberg.
However while he is a virtual unknown to directing, his pedigree is still pretty strong. Stromberg has worked effects and production design on a few little films you might have caught on basic cable like Alice in Wonderland, G.I. Joe, something called Avatar, whatever that is, oh and did I mention Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End?
So clearly he can handle a special effects heavy fantasy, which is what Maleficent will clearly call for.
Now my only concern is still, as ever the choice for the title role herself. Disney is sticking to their bullet-bending guns with Angelina Jolie.
Really? I know she's out there saving the world and adopting kids left and right, but she is still the weirdo that made out with her brother and wore Billy Bob Thornton's blood in a vial around her neck. I did like Salt, so I'm trying (really hard) to remain optimistic. But hasn't her status as A-list actress kinda fizzled by now? If you're looking for a great cover shot for your bathroom reader weekly, she's the one. But as for your summer tent pole pic . . . I don't know.
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