Netflix's 2024 biopic Maria features a strong cast led by Oscar winner Angelina Jolie. Jolie, best known for her roles in films such as Maleficent, Lara Croft: Tomb Raiderand Girl, interrupted, returns in his first feature film since the Marvel action blockbuster in 2021 Eternals. Jolie has also directed several films such as First they killed my parents (2017) and Uninterrupted (2014). Jolie took a break from acting in 2021 Eternals until 2024 Maria to focus on spending more time with their six children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh and twins Knox and Vivienne.
Maria portrays the last days of the life of Maria Callas, who was once considered the greatest opera singer in the world. The film is set in 1970s Paris as Maria's health deteriorates. Maria sees the world through a faded, almost hallucinogenic lens with her butler, Ferruccio, and her maid, Bruna, who care deeply about her. Maria is directed by Chilean director Pablo Larraín from Spencer (2021) and Jackie (2016) acclaim. The original script was written by Steven Knight, best known for creating the Cillian Murphy-led Netflix series. Peaky Blinders. Maria was released in select cinemas after premiering at the 81st Venice Film Festival in August 2024.
Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas
Actor: Jolie, 49, is an Oscar-winning actress. She is best known for her roles in films such as Maleficent, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Girl, interrupted, Beast Boy, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Saltand Desired. She did it debut in cinema in 1982 Looking to leave starring Jon Voight, who is her father. After winning the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for the 1999 drama Girl, interruptedshe starred in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider in 2001. She was also a voice actress in animated films such as Shark Tale and Kung Fu Panda. She has also directed several feature films, including the Oscar-nominated Uninterrupted in 2013. She is expected to star in upcoming films Points, Maude x Maudeand Maleficent 3.
Notable works:
Movie/TV series |
Character |
---|---|
Maleficent |
Maleficent |
Girl, interrupted |
Lisa |
Lara Croft: Tomb Raider |
Lara Croft |
Character: Angelina Jolie plays the titular protagonist Maria Callas, once considered the world's greatest opera singer, during the final days of her life in 1970s Paris.
Kodi Smit-McPhee as Mandrax
Actor: Kodi Smit-McPhee, 28, is an Oscar-nominated Australian actor. He made his film debut in the 2006 drama Stranded before coming to prominence in the 2009 dystopian film The road alongside Viggo Mortensen in an adaptation of Cormac McCarthy's acclaimed novel. Smit-McPhee appeared in the critically acclaimed 2014 action film Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and was also in X-Men: Apocalypse (2016) and X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019) as Kurt Wagner / Nocturne. He was nominated for an Oscar for his supporting role as Peter Gordon in The power of the dogwhich was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won Best Director for Jane Campion. Smit-McPhee was also in Elvis and Apple's recent murder mystery series Disclaimer.
Notable works:
Movie/TV series |
Character |
---|---|
X-Men: Apocalypse |
Kurt Wagner/Nocturne |
The power of the dog |
Peter Gordon |
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes |
Alexander |
Character: Kodi Smit-McPhee plays Mandrax in Maria.
Pierfrancesco Favino as Ferruccio
Actor: Pierfrancesco Favino, 55, is an Italian actor and film producer. He is best known for appearing in major American films such as World War Z (2013) and Run (2013). After appearing in several TV movies during the 1990s, Favino rose to prominence after appearing as Christopher Columbus in 2006. Night at the Museum starring Ben Stiller. He went on to appear in The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) and Angels and Demons (2009) before landing a recurring role as Niccolo Polo in the Netflix series Marco Polo. He has starred in several recent films such as Naples to New York, Adageand The Count of Monte-Cristo.
Notable works:
Movie/TV series |
Character |
---|---|
Run |
Clay |
Night at the Museum |
Christopher Columbus |
Marco Polo |
Nicola Polo |
Character: Favino plays Maria's loyal butler, Ferruccio, in Maria.
Alba Rohrwacher as Bruna
Actor: Alba Rohrwacher, 45, is an Italian actress from Florence. She is best known for her roles in Hungry Hearts (2014), The wonders (2014), and Sworn Virgin (2015). She recently starred as Narrator in the series Max My brilliant friend (2018-2024). After appearing in several Italian films and television productions during the 2000s, she rose to prominence as Elisabetta Recchi in Luca Guadagnino's romantic drama. I am love (2009) starring Tilda Swinton. She is set to appear in Noah Baumbach's upcoming untitled film alongside Adam Sandler, George Clooney, Laura Dern and Riley Keough.
Notable works:
Movie/TV series |
Character |
---|---|
The wonders |
Angelica |
I am love |
Elisabetta Recchi |
My brilliant friend |
Narrator |
Character: Alba Rohrwacher plays Bruna, Maria's maid, in Maria.
Cast and supporting characters of Maria
Haluk Bilginer as Aristotle Onassis: Bilginer is best known for Halloween and The Veil.
Stephen Ashfield as Jeffrey Tate: Ashfield is best known for Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and The devil's hour.
Valeria Golino as Yakinthi Callas: Golino is best known for rain man and Portrait of a Lady on Fire.
Caspar Phillipson as JFK: Phillipson played John F. Kennedy in several films, such as Jackie and Maria.