Disney fans received a thrilling update as Maleficent 3
is officially in development, with IMDb listing the project as in pre-production. The actor is set to reprise her iconic role as the horned antihero. During a 2023 interview with the Wall Street Journal
, even Angelina Jolie herself casually dropped the bombshell while discussing her upcoming projects. Though Disney has not yet announced an official release date, industry insiders speculate a late 2025 or early 2026 premiere. Even though no other casting details have been confirmed, fans are hopeful that Elle Fanning (Aurora), Harris Dickinson (Prince Phillip), and Sam Riley (Diaval) will return.
‘MALEFICENT 3’ is in the works.
(Via: Deadline) pic.twitter.com/qImbbT1XVT
— The Hollywood Handle (@HollywoodHandle) March 29, 2025
As plot specifics remain shrouded in secrecy, the third installment is expected to explore themes of parenthood and legacy, building on the second film’s conclusion. Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
ended with Jolie’s character pledging to attend the christening of Aurora’s child – a nod to the classic Sleeping Beauty curse. Fans theorize the story could delve into Maleficent’s struggle to balance her protective instincts with her morally complex past. Though details are scarce, the project promises to expand Disney’s dark-fantasy universe with fresh twists.
Veteran screenwriter Linda Woolverton, who penned the scripts for Maleficent
, recently joined Kartoon Studios’ Hundred Acre Wood’s Winnie and Friends
project as an executive producer. While her involvement in Maleficent 3
is unconfirmed, her foundational work on the franchise’s storytelling – including its themes of redemption and maternal bonds – fuels optimism about the sequel’s narrative depth.
Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent
redefined Disney villains – but how did her portrayal reshape modern fairy tales?
Angelina Jolie’s Maleficent – A legacy of complexity, from villain to anti-hero
Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maleficent in Maleficent
(2014) and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil
(2019) transformed the character from a one-dimensional villain into a layered anti-hero. The 2014 film reimagined Sleeping Beauty from her perspective, showcasing her betrayal by Stefan and her eventual redemption through her bond with Aurora. Jolie’s performance blended gothic intensity with vulnerability, earning praise for humanizing the iconic antagonist. The Maleficent
franchise grossed over $1.2 billion globally, with Jolie earning $33 million for the first film.
Angelina Jolie described Maleficent: Mistress of Evil (2019) in 3 words at #D23Expo. pic.twitter.com/J8iUzF1J2z
— best of angelina jolie (@bestofajolie) August 28, 2019
Jolie’s real-life daughter, Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, (whose father, Brad Pitt, allegedly had a forbidden romance
), played young Aurora, adding a personal touch to the on-screen dynamic. The sequel expanded the lore, introducing themes of interspecies conflict and maternal love, anchored by Jolie’s commanding presence and Michelle Pfeiffer’s cunning Queen Ingrith. With its blend of dark fantasy, emotional depth, and Angelina Jolie’s magnetic performance, Maleficent 3
promises to continue redefining Disney’s storytelling for a new generation.
What are your hopes for Maleficent 3
? Share your theories and excitement in the comments below!
