Angelina Jolie’s much-anticipated film Maria, which follows the life of opera legend Maria Callas in the final years before her passing in 1977, 

is expected to be one of the most emotionally impactful movies of 2025. 

In this poignant portrayal, Jolie steps into the shoes of Callas, a woman who retreated to Paris in the 1970s after living a turbulent and glamorous life in the public eye. 

Jolie, now 49, was eager to take on this challenging role, finding a surprising connection to the iconic singer.

A Personal Connection to Maria Callas

When reflecting on her connection with Maria Callas, Jolie shares that it might be an unexpected one. 

“It’s probably the part of her that’s extremely soft,” Jolie explained in a recent interview with OK! and international press. “She doesn’t have room in the world to be as soft as she truly was and as emotionally open as she truly was. I think I share her vulnerability more than anything.” For Jolie, portraying the vulnerability of Callas was a deeply personal experience, allowing her to express emotions she rarely showcases in her other roles.

Despite Callas’ larger-than-life presence in the opera world, Jolie was drawn to her softer, more human side, and found herself relating to the emotional depth that defined the singer. As a mother and someone who has faced personal hardships, Jolie’s connection to Callas’ vulnerability allowed her to bring authenticity and compassion to the character.

The Challenges of Singing Opera

Taking on the role of a world-renowned opera singer came with its own set of challenges. For Jolie, who is known for her roles in action-packed films such as Maleficent and Tomb Raider, learning opera was an entirely new and daunting task. The actress admits to being “terribly nervous” about her singing ability, spending seven months in intense training before even attempting to sing in public.

However, the process turned out to be a revelation for Jolie. “I’m not as bad as I thought I was,” she laughed, reflecting on the experience. “I think a lot of people haven’t tried. I’m sure a lot of people have never really tried and never had the support to help them through it.” For Jolie, the emotional journey of learning to sing opera was a way to rediscover herself as an artist. Despite the fear and nerves, she embraced the challenge and found herself transported by the music, although she admits she hasn’t sung since filming wrapped.

Oscar Buzz Surrounding Angelina’s Performance

Jolie’s performance as Maria Callas has already sparked widespread praise, with many predicting that it could earn her another Academy Award nomination. Already, there is buzz surrounding her portrayal, with some calling it “legendary.” However, Jolie is more focused on connecting with the fans of Maria Callas and ensuring that her portrayal does justice to the opera singer’s legacy.

“My fear would be to disappoint them,” Jolie shared. “I would not want to do a disservice to this woman. I really came to care for her.” With this deep respect for Callas, Jolie’s portrayal feels more like an homage than an imitation. Her dedication to understanding Callas’ life and legacy only adds to the authenticity of her performance.

Jolie’s commitment to honoring Callas’ memory is especially evident when she speaks about her own connection to motherhood and loss. The film explores Callas’ struggles with miscarriages and her desire for children, themes that resonated deeply with Jolie, who lost her own mother, Marcheline Bertrand, to ovarian cancer in 2007. This personal connection added layers of emotional depth to her portrayal, especially in scenes where Maria sings Ave Maria, a moment that invoked profound memories for Jolie.

Jolie’s Return to the Spotlight

Maria marks a major return for Jolie, who has been focusing on her family and humanitarian work in recent years. The actress has also directed the war drama Without Blood, and now finds herself at the center of the Hollywood spotlight once again. Despite her time away, Jolie expresses a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to return to acting and embrace the creative challenges that come with it.

“I have needed to be home more with my family these last years,” Jolie confessed. “In that time, I have maybe become more grateful to have the opportunity to be an artist and play; to be in this creative world. I am happy to be here and I’m grateful to be an artist in any way.” With Maria and her directorial work, Jolie proves that she is still very much a force in Hollywood.

A Legacy of Survival

Through her portrayal of Maria Callas, Jolie also learned new things about the opera singer’s resilience. Callas, who struggled with significant vision impairment later in life, had to perform on stage without glasses, a condition that required her to memorize music to an extraordinary degree. Jolie was moved by Callas’ determination to continue performing despite her challenges, and it helped her understand the strength of the woman she was portraying.

“There’s something I learned about her — that she couldn’t see,” Jolie revealed. “What that really means is it says a lot about her as a worker. When you understand that, you see this person’s survival instinct.” Jolie’s admiration for Callas as a worker and a survivor only deepened throughout the filming process.

As Maria hits cinemas, Jolie’s fans, along with those who admire the legendary opera singer, are eager to see how this powerful film will resonate. With emotional depth, raw vulnerability, and a career-defining performance, Angelina Jolie’s portrayal of Maria Callas is sure to leave a lasting impact on audiences around the world.

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