In the realm of fairy tales, the age-old battle between good and evil has always been a central theme. Traditionally, good prevails over evil, and this narrative has been passed down through generations. However, a recent trend in cinema has seen villains reimagined as heroes, challenging the conventional narrative. Disney’s Maleficent (2014) is one such film that dared to flip the script on a beloved fairy tale.
Directed by Robert Stromberg and based on Linda Woolverton’s screenplay, Maleficent received mixed reviews from critics. Despite this, it became Angelina Jolie’s highest-grossing movie, earning $758.5 million at the box office with a budget of $180 – 263 million. The film’s success led to a sequel, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019).
Let’s take a closer look at the captivating cast and characters of Disney’s 2014 Maleficent.
Angelina Jolie as Maleficent
Angelina Jolie masterfully portrays the iconic fairy queen, Maleficent. Known as the wicked fairy who curses Sleeping Beauty, the film delves into her backstory, revealing the events that led to her transformation into a vengeful queen.
As a young fairy, Maleficent falls in love with a human named Stefan. However, as they grow older, their paths diverge. Maleficent becomes the protector of the Moors, while Stefan aspires to be king. When Stefan betrays Maleficent by drugging her and cutting off her wings, she seeks revenge by cursing his newborn daughter, Aurora.
Over the years, Maleficent’s anger subsides, and she forms a bond with Aurora. Realizing the depth of her love for the girl, Maleficent desperately tries to break the curse she placed on her. In the end, the film portrays Maleficent as a tragic figure rather than a purely evil one.
Sharlto Copley as Stefan
credit: Maleficent
Stefan, played by Sharlto Copley, is a complex character who falls in love with Maleficent but ultimately betrays her in his quest for power. Driven by ambition, Stefan severs Maleficent’s wings to prove her death and secure his position as King Henry’s successor.
When Maleficent curses his daughter, Aurora, Stefan becomes obsessed with finding and killing Maleficent, believing that her death will break the curse. This obsession ultimately leads to his downfall.
Elle Fanning as Aurora
credit: Maleficent
Before Elle Fanning took on the role of Aurora, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, portrayed a younger version of the character. The casting decision was made after other young actresses were too intimidated by Jolie’s Maleficent costume.
Aurora, the daughter of King Stefan, is cursed by Maleficent during her christening. According to the curse, Aurora will prick her finger on a spinning wheel spindle on her 16th birthday and fall into an eternal sleep, only to be awakened by true love’s kiss.
Despite being raised by three pixie fairies, Aurora forms a bond with Maleficent, whom she calls her fairy godmother. When Aurora learns the truth about her lineage and Maleficent’s curse, she is drawn to the spinning wheel and falls into a deep sleep. Ultimately, it is Maleficent’s love for Aurora that breaks the curse.
The Three Pixie-Fairies
credit: Maleficent
After Maleficent curses Aurora, King Stefan entrusts her to three good-hearted pixie fairies who raise her in secret. Their mission is to return Aurora to the castle the day after her 16th birthday, when the curse is no longer a threat.
On the eve of Aurora’s 16th birthday, the pixie fairies reveal her true identity and the reason for her secluded upbringing. To bring the pixie fairies to life, the film used motion capture technology. Imelda Staunton played Knotgrass, the red pixie-fairy, Juno Temple portrayed Thistlewit, the green pixie-fairy, and Lesley Manville took on the role of Flittle, the blue pixie-fairy.
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