Angelina Jolie Talks ‘Honor’ of Singing for Maria Callas Biopic—This Behind-the-Scenes Revelation Will Blow Your Mind!
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author's opinion.
Angelina Jolie is stepping into the shoes of one of the most iconic and complex figures in opera history—Maria Callas. In the biographical drama Maria, directed by Pablo Larrain, Jolie plays the legendary opera singer during her final years in the 1970s, a role that required deep emotional and vocal commitment. With Maria receiving universal acclaim for Jolie’s performance, the actress has now opened up about the experience of playing Callas and what it meant to lend her own voice to the role.
A Complex and Intimate Role
Jolie admitted that playing Maria Callas was no small feat, acknowledging the difficulty and responsibility of portraying such a towering figure in the world of opera. In an exclusive statement, she shared her thoughts on the experience, stating, “The good news about playing Maria Callas is nobody expects you to sing Maria Callas because nobody in the world can sing Maria Callas, right? Nobody at her time could match her, and it would be a crime not to have her voice through this, because in many ways, she is very present in this film. Her voice and her art are very present. She’s the partner in this film with me; she and I are doing this together.”
The film’s structure and storyline allowed Callas’s legacy to remain a central presence, even though Jolie herself was not expected to replicate the legendary soprano’s unparalleled vocal abilities. Instead, she had to navigate the complexities of Callas’s life and artistry, seeking to understand the choices the singer made throughout her career. “It was an honor and sometimes a bit of a head trip to be me playing her and us playing a third person on stage,” Jolie explained, further emphasizing the depth of the character she portrayed.
A Transformative Collaboration with Pablo Larraín
Director Pablo Larrain, known for his critically acclaimed works Jackie (starring Natalie Portman as Jacqueline Kennedy) and Spencer (starring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana), was a key figure in bringing Maria to life. Jolie described her experience working with Larrain as transformative, noting his dedication to casting and the seriousness with which he approached the project. “He really wants to make sure the artist is up for it and understands the job,” she said.
The actress praised the script, written by Steven Knight, calling it “very unusual” and a “brave” approach to telling the story of Callas’s final years. The film’s structure and the way it was constructed left a lasting impact on Jolie, who was impressed by how Larrain’s direction challenged her as an actor. “It’s a very unusual script and construction,” she explained. “There’s a lot of bravery in the choices they’ve made in their storytelling, which says a lot about how capable they both are.”
Jolie also noted that working with Larrain was an invaluable learning experience, especially as a director herself. “I learned such a lot as a director from watching him work,” she said, further cementing her admiration for the filmmaker’s approach.
A Powerful Story of Maria Callas’s Final Years
Maria explores the later years of the legendary singer, set in the 1970s when Callas retreated from the public eye, seeking solace in Paris. The narrative delves into her personal struggles, including the toll her public persona and relationships took on her life. In this poignant portrayal, Jolie brings Callas’s complexities to the forefront, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the woman behind the public image.
The film also stars Pierfrancesco Favino, Alba Rohrwacher, Haluk Bilginer, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, all contributing to the rich, emotional narrative of Callas’s final chapter. Jolie’s portrayal of the opera icon is expected to be remembered for its sensitivity and dedication to the nuanced character.
Maria Releases on Lionsgate Play
For those eager to witness this emotional and cinematic journey, Maria will be available for streaming on Lionsgate Play starting May 9. With the combination of a transformative role, a dedicated director, and a deeply emotional portrayal of an icon, Jolie’s Maria promises to be an unforgettable addition to the world of biographical dramas.
