US streaming service and film studio Netflix announced it was acquiring the rights to distribute “Maria,” the Angelina Jolie-led biopic about Maria Callas. The film by famed director Pablo Larraín premieres today at the Venice Film Festival.
In a statement, Netflix describes the film as a “creative imagining and psychological portrait of Maria Callas” during her final days in Paris during the 1970s. The storyline focuses on a period when Callas attempts to regain her famous voice, focusing on herself and her identity over the expectations of her adoring fans. Jolie reportedly studied opera singing for six months in preparation for the role.
The studio notes that “Maria” is Larraín’s third film to explore “iconic women at inflection points in their lives.” He previously directed “Jackie” in 2016, about Jacqueline Kennedy (portrayed by Natalie Portman), and “Spencer” in 2021, about Princess Diana (portrayed by Kristen Stewart).
Netflix also distributed “Maestro,” the 2023 biopic about Leonard Bernstein directed by and starring Bradley Cooper. That film received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.
Whether and when “Maria” will see a broad theatrical release — or if it will be released directly to Netflix’s streaming service — has yet to be announced.
