It looks like the sequel to Disney’s 2014 film Maleficent is finally picking up speed. According to Variety, Ed Skrein (Deadpool) will portray the film’s villain opposite the returning Angelina Jolie and Elle Fanning as Maleficent and Aurora, more commonly known as Sleeping Beauty.
Skrein’s villainous role is being kept under wraps, but the film is expected to begin production sometime this spring. Joachim R∅nning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales) will direct the film, replacing the original’s Robert Stromberg, from a script written by Linda Woolverton, who wrote the first film, and Jez Butterworth (Edge of Tomorrow). Joe Roth is returning as a producer.
The first Maleficent told the story of Sleeping Beauty, but from the perspective of the evil Maleficent. Beginning as a hopeful and fairly kind creature, Maleficent fell to darkness after suffering the cruelties of humanity and being betrayed by her closest friend and possibly lover, placing a curse on his child and kingdom in an act of revenge.
Skrein is known for his portrayal of the villainous Francis in Fox’s superhero hit and X-Men spin-off Deadpool as well as the original Daario Naharis in Game of Thrones. He recently stepped aside from a role in the Hellboy reboot after concerns of whitewashing and will be next seen in Alita: Battle Angel.
