In a world where young stars like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney are capturing the hearts of Hollywood and commanding attention, Angelina Jolie is making a bold return to reclaim her throne. With her portrayal of opera legend Maria Callas in the upcoming biopic Maria, Jolie is not just seeking to revive her career but aiming to solidify her place among the greats once again..
The Power Move: Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas
Jolie’s return to the screen as Maria Callas is not just another role—it’s a strategic move to reclaim her top spot in Hollywood. After years of personal and professional ups and downs, Jolie is taking on this career-defining role, hoping to remind the world why she was once one of the highest-paid and most beloved actresses in the industry.
In Maria, directed by Pablo Larraín, Jolie portrays the iconic opera singer, a figure whose glamorous yet tumultuous life bears striking parallels to her own. Fans and critics alike have high hopes that this could be the performance that brings Jolie back into Hollywood’s spotlight, with some even predicting a potential Oscar nod.
This is a career-defining role. Angie is assuming the identity of a woman who was every bit the glamorous star she once was and can be the kind of film that vaults her right back to the top!
Can Angelina Jolie Compete with the New Hollywood Elite?
In an era where Hollywood is buzzing with young talent like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney, Jolie’s comeback is undoubtedly a challenge. Both Zendaya and Sweeney have skyrocketed to fame, with Zendaya dominating headlines through roles in Euphoria and Dune, while Sweeney has garnered attention for her nuanced performances in The White Lotus and Euphoria.
Jolie’s task? To compete not just with established stars like Scarlett Johansson but also with this new generation of talent that seems to have captivated audiences globally. Yet, despite the stiff competition, sources close to Jolie are optimistic.
This role means everything to Angie. This woman [Maria Callas] was a symbol of the elegance and excellence that has been associated with her, and she hopes will be again.
The Hollywood industry has evolved, but Jolie remains an icon associated with grace, power, and resilience. Can her portrayal of Callas be the turning point? Only time will tell, but Jolie’s determination is palpable.
Angelina Jolie’s Emotional Return at the Venice Film Festival
One significant moment in Jolie’s comeback journey came at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, where Maria received an eight-minute standing ovation. The ovation left Jolie moved to tears, a visible sign of how much this project means to her.
The film is the final part of Larraín’s trilogy of films about iconic women, following Jackie (2016) and Spencer (2021). The director shared in an interview with Vanity Fair that Jolie was the perfect fit for the role of Callas, someone who could naturally embody the complexity and presence of such a legendary figure.
The Personal Connection Between Jolie and Callas
Jolie’s connection to the role of Maria Callas goes beyond mere acting. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she spoke about the parallels between her life and Callas’, noting that both women have struggled with public life and the pressure of their fame. Jolie opened up about how the role resonated with her on a personal level, particularly Callas’ struggle to maintain joy in her art amidst the chaos of public scrutiny.
And yet I do love to create, she does love to sing, but sometimes there are all these other things that take that joy away and change the experience of that.
The Maleficent star also touched on how both she and Callas had faced aggression from the public and media when they failed to live up to expectations.
People were quite aggressive when she wasn’t able to be what they wanted her to be. They were very unkind, and she carried a lot of trauma and she worked very, very hard.
It’s clear that Jolie has a deep emotional investment in portraying the opera diva, further raising the stakes for her performance.
A Star-Studded Cast and Crew
In Maria, Jolie shares the screen with Valeria Golino as Yakinthi, Maria Callas’ sister, and Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis, the famed Greek businessman rumored to be romantically involved with Callas. The film dives deep into Callas’ tumultuous life, providing audiences with an intimate look at both her struggles and her stardom.
Interestingly, Jolie discovered during the filming that, like Callas, she was a soprano—a revelation that adds another layer to her portrayal of the opera legend. This newfound connection to Callas’ voice adds an intriguing dimension to the role, making Jolie’s performance all the more compelling.
Why Maria Could Be Angelina Jolie’s Ticket Back to the Top
Angelina Jolie has faced her share of setbacks, including a high-profile divorce from Brad Pitt and legal battles that kept her out of the spotlight. Her acting roles in recent years have been sporadic, and while she has ventured into filmmaking, her focus has clearly shifted away from the acting that once made her a household name.
However, with Maria, Jolie appears to be returning to her roots—acting in a deeply emotional, complex role that could remind audiences of the powerhouse performer she once was. The buzz surrounding the film and her commitment to the role has fans and critics alike speculating that this could mark the beginning of a new chapter in her career.
Pablo Larraín’s Maria presents an opportunity for Jolie to showcase her immense talent and regain her place as one of Hollywood’s top actresses. In a time where new faces are emerging and dominating the industry, Jolie’s comeback could signal that the old guard still has a lot to offer.
As young actresses like Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney rise to the forefront of Hollywood, Angelina Jolie’s return with Maria is a bold and strategic move to remind everyone why she was once considered the queen of Hollywood. With the intense preparation, emotional investment, and a director who has a track record of directing iconic performances, Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is shaping up to be the role that could bring her back to the top.
Only time will tell if this is the performance that earns Jolie another Oscar, but one thing is certain: Angelina Jolie is not done yet. Her comeback is here, and Hollywood better take notice.